Pingelly unveils touching emergency services mural titled Giants Among Us to honour the town’s volunteers

A Wheatbelt town has unveiled a two-storey mural depicting large-scale portraits of emergency service workers in a powerful bid to summon new recruits and honour current volunteers. The Pingelly State Emergency Service building underwent a 10-day transformation, with the mural, titled Giants Among Us, unveiled on October 21. Brought to life by artist Jerome Davenport, the piece features six-metre portraits of members of the SES, the volunteer fire and rescue service, the volunteer bush fire brigade and St John WA. Standing as a tribute to the more than 240 local volunteers, the vibrant artwork aims to remind onlookers of the courage, commitment and community spirit that defines Pingelly. Pingelly SES deputy unit manager Bill Mulroney, who was a leading force behind the mural, said he loved the artwork. “It puts a focus on the services within the community,” he said. “Considering they’re all volunteers that man these services, it brings a sense of ownership to the community. Accepting a $20,000 grant to help fund the project, the Shire of Pingelly was the only regional emergency service group to receive a Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal and Suncorp Rebuilding Futures grant in WA. Mr Mulroney said the project’s aim was to bring attention to Pingelly’s emergency services, motivating new volunteers to join the ranks and highlight the necessity of the services ongoing succession. Growing up in the southern Wheatbelt himself, Davenport said he was thrilled to paint a mural shedding light on volunteers. “I hope it inspires future generations to come and help volunteer and play their part ,” he said. The Pingelly SES will be celebrating an anniversary on November 22 — 40 years since the service was revamped. Mr Mulroney said the mural will make the reunion “extra-special”.