BLK MLK Mildura and Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS) are joining forces to ‘jazz up’ the café’s laneway dining area.
A three metre by two metre section of the laneway wall is being transformed by SRS staff and participants, with the new artwork aiming to capture the region’s reputation as a food bowl, while also helping locals and visitors alike create and connect.
BLK MLK and SRS are delivering the project together, with SRS sub-contractor, and hobby artist, Andrew Hill leading the project with help from participants, who will utilise skills learned and developed at Benetook Farm and through other programs.
The works are expected to be completed this month, and will provide participants with the chance to showcase their creative side, while contributing to Mildura’s growing laneway art.
BLK MLK co-owner Paddy Keogh said the idea to add a bit of spark to the café’s popular laneway had been on the cards for a while, with SRS proving the perfect partner to help deliver the project.
“We’ve been looking at ways we can better utilise the space, as it’s so under-utilised,” he said.
“I’ve wanted to do a mural or painting to spark up the laneway – and I personally love sitting down outside and enjoying a view while enjoying a coffee.
“Myself and Zac (McDonald, BLK MLK co-owner) had bit of brainstorm around who we could partner with and decided who better than SRS!
“Our whole business model and ethos is based on three things – create, community, connect, and we see this project as a great way to bring people together and help them connect through art.”
SRS CEO Marian Luehman said Benetook Farm offered a variety of practical training programs for participants to learn new skills.
“Arts, crafts and pottery are at the top of the list, with several of our participants having the chance to showcase their talent through the Benetook Farm General Store,” she explained.
“When BLK MLK approached us with the idea, we knew our art group participants at Benetook Farm were the perfect fit.
“We share similar values with BLK MLK, with SRS also focused on creating opportunities, connecting with our community, and offering programs and services that serve a community interest.
“For our participants to have the chance to contribute to something that will be seen and enjoyed by our community is an amazing opportunity, and I personally can’t wait to see the finished result.”
Project lead, Andrew Hill, said he jumped at the chance to take the project on.
“Art is very much a hobby for me – I do a bit with my son and I’ve always enjoyed drawing,” he said.
“For me this is about showcasing our participant’s talents, and giving them a chance to contribute to something that not just locals but visitors to the area will enjoy.
“Paddy and I have worked through some ideas and I’m really excited to bring it to life with help from our participants.”
Andrew has been with SRS since March 2026, after a battle with illness, and the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted a career change.
“I was a barber for 25 years before COVID closed that door, and then in March 2024 I was diagnosed with Tuberculosis,” Andrew said.
“I still have no idea how I got it, but I was quarantined for six months – couldn’t go anywhere or do anything.
“My friends and family were enormous helping me get through that, as I was out of action for nine months with the treatment.”
After recovering Andrew began working for a friend who was a painter, before landing a role assisting SRS’ maintenance team.
It’s a role that has already showcased Andrew’s creative streak, with the talented designing and drawing a hopscotch and snakes and ladder attraction at one of SRS’ supported accommodations.
“I love working for SRS – it’s a very rewarding role, and one that provides great flexibility to also focus on my son, who is my main priority,” Andrew said.
Media Contact:
Vinnie Rodi – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Phone: 0439 364 781
Email: vrodi@srsinc.com.au