Over the course of a weekend on 6 and 7 January 2024, the sangat (community) was asked to provide their ideas on what they would like to see up on the mural wall.

Dr Daniel Connell and the project team interacted with community stakeholders including young children to hear their thoughts and explain what they were proposing to put together.

No idea was too big or too small. All ideas were entertained to ensure the concept plan could try and include the widest spectrum of ideas even if it was to incorporate an element of the suggestions provided.

Following the weekend consultation, Dr Daniel Connell and the project team visited local sights including a Sikh owned banana farm, a flower farm, natural attractions in the surrounding areas.

From the sangat’s ideas and seeing the natural landscape of the Innisfail and Cassowary Coast region, Dr Daniel Connell came up with a mural concept. He spent a few days drawing it up on the mural wall and the project team took this concept back to the sangat the following weekend on 13 and 14 January for their thoughts.

The sangat provided invaluable feedback requesting some modifications and a request for a few additional items to be incorporated.

The drawing was altered as requested and it was time to commence with paint.

Sangat (community) led and sangat inspired, this artwork was completed utilising the hands of many. Sikhs and non-Sikhs all came together to participate.

Whether it was children visiting with their parents, or elders who wished to watch and maybe paint a little tree, people who made food and tea in the kitchen to feed those present, all members of the local community were welcomed to participate. Even the local authorities came down to partake!

A special day dedicated to community participation was organised and held where many community members were able to make the mural just as much theirs as the rest of the sangat.