On 9th February 2012, Councillor Barbara Abley launched the mural which has been placed on the wall at the front entrance of the Gateways building, enabling the community to enjoy the art work all year round.

Project co-ordinator Melissa Harvey said the artists had worked very hard to design and create this multi-media mural, which also uses some recycled materials.
“The project provides an opportunity for people of all abilities to display their talents and the broader community benefits from this project as Geelong will have the opportunity to support the local artists with disabilities,” she said. This project is supported by City of Greater Geelong through its Community Arts Grants Program.

“The artists have been working on the mural in workshops over the past year. The Butterflies at the Gate” mural is about bridging the gap between artists who have disabilities and local artists, and taking their work out to the world, hence the name 'Beyond The Gate' mural team.”

Melissa said the mural enables people to see and appreciate the beautiful eye for colour, the humour, the thought and love that went into creating such a beautiful work for the City of Greater Geelong and the general public, as well as people visiting the area during Pako Festa later this month.

“Providing paid employment for our artists will give them an opportunity to build their own reputation in the arts field, and make them more known, and will give them a greater identity with local artists and the general public,” said Melissa.