The preschool received the $2410 grant in July to incorporate natural and community surroundings while engaging the children in learning. 

Local Wiradjuri artist Rebecca McGuinness said the mural represents Australia, connections to the land and the dreamtime rainbow serpent. 

“It’s a quiet place for the children to go in, have some group conversations and a chance for them to ask questions,” she said. 

Mrs McGuinness said her artwork is inspired by her dreams. 

“I started painting four years ago and taught myself, but I get all my visions from dreams and the meanings, symbols and colours come from my ancestors,” Mrs McGuinness said. 

“I wake up and I paint my visions and I don’t know what they mean until I research them and then the story unfolds. 

“I suffered anxiety and depression and I picked up a brush one day and never put it down.” 

The tunnel was completed two weeks ago and took about 30 hours, over five days. 

April Mills, community committee manager, said originally the artwork was going to be placed on the preschool’s fence.

“We were initially planning an art mural for the fence but then it was decided that it would last better in the tunnel and be more natural and more engaging for the kids than on a fence,” she said. 

“We’re trying to make the kids more accepting and open to all cultures.” 

Director of the preschool Jenny Osborne said the tunnel has added to the sensory garden and has extended their learning.

“It’s very special and cultural diversity is important for children to learn to accept everyone,” the director said. 

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said the Annual Grants Program grant aids in council’s commitment to helping foster a “strong” and “creative” community. 

“This allows us to support a diverse range of projects that directly benefit our community,” Cr Conkey said. 

The program formed part of about $2.1 million in contributions and donations provided by council to the community in 2018 to 2019. 

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