As you journey towards Murrurundi from Muswellbrook, the scenic route unveils vibrant murals on signal stations along the railway line. In Wingen, New South Wales, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) organised a striking mural on the Hunter Valley Network railway’s signal and communications box.
The ARTC collaborated with Dan Bianco, an artist from Newcastle, to bring this mural to life. Bianco drew inspiration from Wingen's community, engaging locals in a workshop and afternoon tea to delve into their cherished aspects of the landscape, history, and wildlife in the area.
The mural encapsulates the connection Wingen has with its natural environment, showcasing indigenous flora and fauna. Notably, it pays homage to the Wingen Maid, a rock formation within the Wingen Maid Nature Reserve that, when viewed from specific angles, resembles the silhouette of a woman—a spiritual and significant symbol in Wonnarua culture.
Furthermore, the mural vividly portrays the historical significance of rail in Wingen. Before the construction of the Ardglen tunnel in 1877, Wingen served as a pivotal point along the rail line, playing an integral role in the network's operation.
The mural was unveiled in 2023.
