Renowned creatives, Gillian Kayrooz and L-FRESH The LION have been appointed as the lead artists for the $1 million reVITALise – Public Transport Precinct Vibrancy Grant program, which will improve people’s experience between Campbelltown Station to the heart of Campbelltown City Centre.
Campbelltown City Council have partnered with Transport for NSW on this exciting initiative, with the focus on transforming the Hurley Street Underpass and its surrounding areas into a more vibrant, safer and well-connected space.
L-FRESH is a globally recognised hip-hop artist who grew up in South-Western Sydney and uses his platform to highlight cultural identity, social justice and elevate diverse voices from Western Sydney. He is deeply connected to Campbelltown and is the founder and Artistic Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre’s program Conscious, a hip-hop artist career development program.
Gillian Kayrooz is a respected Western Sydney artist whose vibrant, contemporary works explore identity, culture and community through dynamic visual storytelling. Her practice is grounded in lived experience and sustained by deep connections with local communities, reflecting a commitment to collaborative approaches to storytelling.
Through community engagement held earlier in the year, we heard that priorities such as public art, creative lighting, clearer wayfinding, enhanced safety measures and improved maintenance and cleanliness were important to the community.
Building on from this feedback, the artists will work closely with the community over the coming weeks to explore these priorities and shape the final art installation design.
“It’s fantastic to have two talented, local artists like L-FRESH and Gillian Kayrooz, who can contribute their creativity to this exciting project and I look forward to seeing how their work will enhance the space for the community,” Mayor of Campbelltown, Darcy Lound said.
“The improvements will support vital works to strengthen the connection from Campbelltown Station to Queen Street and enhance amenities, safety features and overall accessibility, creating a more welcoming environment for commuters and visitors alike,” Cr Lound said.
“This is a fantastic project that will bring our community closer together and really bring our fantastic public transport hub to life,” said Mr. Greg Warren, Member for Campbelltown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning, and Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney.
“Working with artists like L-FRESH the LION and Gillian Kayrooz who have roots in Campbelltown and Western Sydney more broadly is outstanding and will help bring the spirit of our area to the fore,” Mr Warren said.
“The reVITALise Grant program aims to make journeys safer, seamless, and more connected, and Transport for NSW is proud to partner with Campbelltown City Council on this exciting project. The Council’s project highlights the vital role public art and community collaboration play in strengthening perceptions of safety and community identity, to create more connected and vibrant transport hub precincts,” said Brooke Wharton, Transport for NSW A/Executive Director Active Transport and Vibrancy.
“Campbelltown has shaped who I am. It’s where I grew up, had my first performances, and built lifelong connections. To now contribute creatively to a project that will reimagine this space for the community feels like a full circle moment, and I’m proud to help bring our stories and spirit to life here,” said L-FRESH The LION.
“My practice has been deeply shaped and supported by the communities of Western Sydney, giving me a deep appreciation for the power of community and storytelling. I’m honoured to work with L-FRESH and the people of Campbelltown to create something that reflects their stories and spirit, and contributes to a vibrant future for the community, grounded in creativity and resilience,” said Gillian Kayrooz.
Campbelltown is one of seven councils benefiting from Transport’s $7 million reVITALise – Public Transport Precinct Vibrancy Grant program, receiving $1 million to design and deliver community-informed placemaking and vibrancy initiatives in public transport precincts.
