A vivid mural commemorating Katherine's long-standing connection with Tindal RAAF base is being painted opposite the Cenotaph this week.
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The large-scale art piece will show two FA-18 jets flying over Katherine's iconic Nitmiluk Gorge, brightening the once grey, blue wall on Railway Terrace.
Territory artist Dave Collins was briefed to conjure an image reflecting the strong history shared by Katherine and Tindal, but it is street artist Jesse Bell who is bringing it to life, spray cans in hand.
He's no stranger to Katherine, having painted the walls of Katherine South's Bernhard Street public housing with large images of birds, ants and other animals.
The pair worked together over a couple of days to ensure the brightest colours were brought to the streetscape.
"It is not often you see yellow in street art," Mr Collins said, "so we thought we would try it."
"Yellow often takes a fair few coats, but we thought Katherine was worth it.
"Nothing speaks more of Katherine than the Gorge and the FA-18s are pretty iconic."
Mr Collins said an image he saw of the Gorge at sunset, tinged with purple gave him the inspiration to apply the colour.
Executive officer of Katherine Regional Arts Jacinta Mooney said the mural has been placed opposite the cenotaph to highlight the connection with military.
The Katherine Regional Arts team, in charge of the consultation, design and installation of the artworks has also worked to bring a mural depicting Katherine's devastating flood to life just metres down the street.
The large scale piece, currently being brought to life by two street artists Kaff-eine and Jordan Conrad, incorporate storm winds, rushing water, people lending a hand, and the legend of the crocodile spotted swimming the main street.
Designed by local artist Mandy Tootell, the mural aims to "recognise the event without traumatising people."
According to a Katherine Town Council spokeswoman, the installations of the murals form part of Katherine Town Council's overall CBD Revitalisation Project.
Walls around Katherine will be getting a much-needed makeover this week with the installation of two murals commemorating significant aspects of our community," the spokeswoman said.
"The second mural, designed by Territory artist Dave Collins, commemorates the connection of our community with Defence and is being installed adjacent to the newly relocated Katherine Cenotaph.
"The design... highlights the important connection the military has in Katherine and will compliment commemorative events held at the Cenotaph."
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