Randwick City Council has unveiled a recently updated mural that honours Australian aviation legend and Kingsford namesake, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.
The new and improved artwork is an extension of the Kingsford Smith Portrait Mosaic by David Humphries, which was gifted to the people of Kingsford by the Kingsford Chamber of Commerce in 2010.
The Kingsford Chamber of Commerce commissioned the recent works, by Annette Barlow, with support from Council and Randwick Rotary.
The original Council-commissioned Southern Cross Mural (1990) by Lloyd Kellerman still stands.
Randwick City Mayor Scott Nash says it is an iconic fixture in Randwick City.
“The Kingsford Smith mural is admired by locals and visitors, alike.
“This latest update offers a contemporary refresh on a popular artwork that resonates with our community.
“Furthermore, it’s a fitting tribute to the suburb’s namesake, and one of our nation’s earliest pioneers, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.
“In addition, we’ve given the surrounding streetscape a boost as part of these works, in line with the Kingsford Town Centre Strategy which upholds our vision for the local area.”
A popular thoroughfare near the Kingsford Nine-Ways, Southern Cross Close has also been upgraded as part of the works. New paving, dedicated up-lighting to highlight visibility of artworks, a refurbished shade structure, and new street furniture including bike racks and seating have been installed to accommodate the high traffic area.
The suburb name, Kingsford, was chosen in 1936 in honour of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith following a competition sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
The event, hosted by Randwick City Council together with the Kingsford Chamber of Commerce, featured a free sausage sizzle and a plant and shopping bag giveaway.
