More than 18 months in the making, Sunday Afternoon Along the Mehi, is now where it belongs, with pride of place on the wall it was created for in Fairview’s James Perry Lodge dining room.

It was created by nine local artists including Ian Reardon, Annette Coward, Belinda Williams, Kylie McNamara, Janelle Boyd, Jennifer Ryan (Greentree), Fi Claus, Amanda Humphries, and Margaret Adams, specifically for the residents of Fairview to enjoy for years to come.

Project coordinator Bette Montgomery was thrilled with the response to the painting at the special unveiling on Thursday which she said reflects the amazing effort of the artists.

“I’m overwhelmed by the number of people who came – that’s Moree’s community spirit for you,” she said.

“I’m just pleased that it’s given people the pleasure that I hoped it would and I’m glad the artists’ efforts have been so well rewarded.

“I hope it’s something the Moree community will enjoy and generations of residents who call Fairview home will enjoy for years to come.”

Fairview Retirement Village CEO Brett Arthur said the work of art is a priceless gift.

“I think it’s magnificent,” he said.

“It’s lived up to all expectations; I think the residents will be able to sit here during meal times and look at it and enjoy it.

“It shows a lot of community support … the fact that all these people have got together to provide this for our residents, it really is well-done.”

Fairview residents themselves were overjoyed by the beautiful artwork which is now theirs to enjoy for generations.

“It’s gorgeous and you feel like you are there, it’s so natural and the way the lights falling on it, it looks like the sun,” Mina O’Donnell said. 

“I’ve never in my life seen anything so beautiful as what that is.”

“I think it’s brilliant, it’s been done very, very well,” Elizabeth Harrison, a painter herself, said.

“I love the white ducks around the front of it,” Gladys Fairall said.

“I love that tree,” Laurel Briant added.

Moree mayor Katrina Humphries and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton had the honour of unveiling the work of art on Thursday.

“People with artistic ability truly amaze and inspire me … there’s such talent in this community,” Mr Coulton said.

“Congratulations to all the artists, you should be very proud.”

Cr Humphries said the Moree community is indebted to the artists, and Mrs Montgomery for bringing this project to life.

“We can never thank you enough,” she said.

“It’s something we can be so proud of. It’s an absolute credit to all of you.”