New mural honours SES volunteers on Southbank landmark

A striking new mural is taking shape on the rear of the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) headquarters in Southbank, transforming a once-plain wall into a bold tribute to Victoria’s volunteers.

The artwork, by Melbourne-raised artist Tom McKenzie – better known by his street name Goldern Boi – depicts an SES volunteer with their arm around a young boy, the pair gazing towards a landscape marked by a sunset.

When complete, the piece will expand across four surfaces, including corrugated walls and a fence, creating an expansive and highly visible canvas for passing motorists and pedestrians.

Visible from Power St, the mural is already catching the eye of thousands. Mr McKenzie, who recently relocated to the Gold Coast but spent nearly a decade living in Melbourne, said he had been overwhelmed by the response from passers-by.

I’ve had people winding their windows down on Power St and yelling ‘good job, mate’,” he told Southbank News. “Every five minutes someone stops for a chat. It’s been pretty special.

The project was commissioned by Victoria SES to mark its 50th anniversary, with funding provided by long-standing partner AAMI. Work began in late September and, weather permitting, Mr McKenzie expects to finish within three weeks.

The artist, who began painting full-time during COVID after leaving his teaching career, said he relished the challenge of painting on corrugated iron – a surface many artists would shy away from.

“The SES wanted a big, bold image that would work on this tricky surface. I think that’s part of why I got the job. I’ve worked on corrugated iron before, but never at this scale,” he said.

Mr McKenzie described the mural’s imagery as inspired by the SES’s central role in disaster response.

“The idea was to create a post-storm scene,” he explained. “The sun is setting on the right, but the storm is still passing through on the left. An SES vehicle and more volunteers will come into the scene as I keep painting – it’s about showing their presence in the middle of tough conditions, protecting people when they need it most.”

Though he hasn’t had direct personal contact with the SES in his own life, Mr McKenzie said he was motivated by the universal recognition of their work.

“They’re seen as saviours during floods and storms,” he said. “The fact that they’re all volunteers is something pretty special. It’s an honour to be part of this project.”

VICSES executive director of community and corporate services Kate White said the mural was a fitting way to mark a milestone year.

“It’s really exciting to be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of VICSES with such a fantastic piece of art at our Victorian Southbank head office,” she said.

“This mural reflects the vital role our incredible volunteers play in supporting communities across the state in their time of need. It also encapsulates many of the values we champion each and every day.”

Ms White also thanked AAMI, which has partnered with the SES since 2002. “Their funding has ensured this mural will be a source of pride for our volunteers throughout Victoria,” she said.

For locals, the mural represents more than decoration. The VICSES building sits at a key gateway to Southbank, its rear wall visible from major arterial routes. With Mr McKenzie’s vibrant design, what was once an unremarkable industrial façade is fast becoming a public artwork honouring community service.

As Mr McKenzie added the finishing touches during a break in the rain, he reflected on the project’s impact.

“It’s definitely the biggest public response I’ve had to a piece of work,” he said. “If it helps remind people of the volunteers who are always there for us, then that’s the best outcome.”

When the mural is complete later this month, it will not only brighten a Southbank streetscape but also stand as a lasting tribute to half a century of volunteerism, courage and community spirit. •