Jerome Davenport unveils his much-anticipated mural on the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre

A year in the making, Narrogin’s much-anticipated mural has been unveiled, with artist Jerome Davenport’s creation showcasing the community’s camaraderie, values, Indigenous ties and history.

Narrogin-born Davenport’s 300sqm mural on the eastern wall of the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre was officially unveiled to the community at 6pm on Friday to locals and shire representatives.

The large-scale artist said he felt fortunate to collaborate with local Noongar emerging artist Chante Kickett who designed the Aboriginal artwork integrated within the piece that tells the story of the people’s connection with the land.

Davenport said he loved creating a piece close to home.

“Connecting with the community and seeing the piece evolve and people’s reactions throughout the process, it’s so humbling,” Davenport said.

“Some murals you don’t relate to as much but you’re telling the story of that community, whereas this is my story within my community.”

The right corner honours the brave volunteers who fought the 2022 Narrogin and Wickepin bush fire and exhibits the community’s resilience and togetherness.

Davenport said the train in the mural’s centre is transparent and disappears into the background to represent the prominent railway history that is no longer in the town’s future.

He said the locals would approach him while painting and share the connections they had to the jersey numbers on the Narrogin Hawks football players and their presence shows the importance of rural sport.

On the far left, the farmer in the wheat fields and little girl holding the lamb nods to Narrogin’s large farming community.

Davenport said he has core memories walking through wheat fields at his Wickepin farm and it was heartwarming to paint.

Narrogin shire president Leigh Ballard said the art captured Narrogin’s distinctive elements.

“This mural is a powerful way to show what makes Narrogin special,” Cr Ballard said.

“It reflects our strength, our culture, and the way we come together as a community.

“Turning the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre into a canvas for this artwork is a celebration of who we are, and I believe it will become a source of pride for everyone in our town.”