A Vibrant Legacy: Hughes Celebrates 62 Years with Unveiling of Landmark Community Murals
The spirit of the Hughes community was on full display yesterday as residents gathered to celebrate the suburb’s 62nd birthday with the official unveiling of two spectacular new murals.
Under sunny skies on May 9th, the Hughes shopping precinct was transformed into a festival of local pride. Were neighbours shared a community BBQ, enjoyed live performances, and met the creative minds behind the artworks that now define the northern and southern walls of the centre.
The event marked the culmination of a 12-month collaborative journey, supported by the Woden Community Service Community Development program, designed to weave the stories of the past into the landscape of the future.
On the northern wall, artist Geoff Filmer of Graffikpaint unveiled “The Neighbourhood of Hughes 2026.” Created using a striking blend of aerosol and acrylic paint, the mural serves as a “who’s who” of the suburb. It features ten residents who have left an indelible mark on society, from Nobel Laureates Peter Doherty and Rolf Zinkernagel to environmental champions like Margaret Howitt and Michael Mulvaney.
Attendees were treated to a “behind-the-scenes” look at the lives depicted in the art. Many of the faces, including Ngunnawal singer-songwriter Alinta Barlow and tireless community advocate Jenny Tyrrell OAM. The artwork also paid a touching tribute to the “Stepping Out” statue the much-loved bronze figure stolen in 2016 and restoring her presence to the shopping centre in vibrant colour.
“It’s about more than just paint; it’s about our identity,” said one resident. “Seeing local heroes like Alpha Gregory and Dorothy Sales alongside the Gang-gang cockatoos we see in our backyards every day makes this feel like home.”
On the southern side, the atmosphere was equally electric as “The Hughes Gang 2026” was revealed. Painted by Yamile Tafur Rios and Carlos Mario Sanchez Zapata of Condor Painting Services, this mural was a true gift to the youth of the area.
The design was entirely shaped by the students of Hughes Primary School, reflecting their love for local nature parks and school sports. The school’s 62-year history was woven into the design through the school emblem and depictions of street tennis, football, and soccer. The vibrant acrylic brushwork highlighted the community’s deep connection to the endangered birds of the region, including the female and male Gang-gangs that are local favourites.
Throughout the project, residents offered constant feedback and ideas to ensure the designs reflected the “spirit of Hughes.” This community led vision was made possible through the generous support of the Snow Foundation, the Davencare Foundation, and private donations from local residents, alongside assistance from the ACT Government.
As the birthday celebrations wrapped up and the scent of the BBQ faded, the two murals remained, a permanent, feel-good reminder of 62 years of contribution, conservation, and community heart. For the people of Hughes, the shopping precinct is no longer just a place to run errands; it is now a living gallery of their shared history.
