General News
13 November, 2025
Vibrant addition
TERANG College has collaborated with one of the region’s most prominent artists in a bid to heighten the school’s new sensory garden.
Artist Jess Fowler recently spent time at the school painting four murals depicting a Galah, Cockatoo, Kookaburra and Emu on new seating pods located at the school’s sensory garden.
Terang College principal Kath Tanner said work had been underway to transform the space over the past few years before Mrs Fowler’s artistic additions made the final touches.
“It started with an application for a grant to build a sensory space in the school to give students an alternative space to hang out,” she said.
“The students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have over the past two years been building these sensory pods.
“It had been quite a long project when Josh Dunn, one of our teachers in woodworking, had the idea the pods would look much better with Jess’s artwork on them.
“He approached Jess to see if she’d be interested in doing the project at school and she was very happy to do it.”
Mrs Tanner said the space was designed to support students, particularly those on the autism spectrum, with an area where they could feel more comfortable.
“What we know about those students who are neurodivergent or just need different things is they sometimes need a closed in space which can block out external noise and distraction,” she said.
“It is easier for them to remain calm and centred, so this area is sort of designed for them so they can play in an area which feels safe and contained for them.
“We wanted to design each pod a little differently so one has a table and chairs, one will have a Lego tub and one is a bench all the way around.
“Just like our students, each one is unique and different – and the artwork just finishes each off brilliantly.”
Mrs Fowler said she had enjoyed the opportunity to paint the mural in front of students, many of whom gathered to watch what was unfolding with keen interest.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to paint at the school, particularly with students interacting with me,” she said.
“A lot of the little Year One students came and hung out with me on their lunch break which was really cool to chat with them and ask questions.
“They all seemed to happy and excited, enjoying watching me work.”
Mrs Fowler said she had approached the design of the native birds with the intention of trying to capture a personality in each animal.
“I wanted each of the four panels to be a different bird so we had a bit of variety,” she said.
“All of my paintings have their own cheeky personality which I think the kids will enjoy – they might come up with little stories about them, or name them.
“It was a beautiful experience and I’m just overjoyed to be asked.”
Mrs Fowler said it was all the more meaningful knowing her artwork occupied a space designed to provide students with their own calming area.
“It’s amazing that the whole space being designed to have that comfort as a space where kids can come and take time to centre themselves,” she said.
“If I’ve made it a brighter and happier space, then I’ve accomplished what I wanted to do.”
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