Warrnambool College Visual Arts

https://www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/meekah-merriman-named-2026-warrnambool-young-citizen-year

Meekah Merriman named 2026 Warrnambool Young Citizen of the Year Meekah Merriman’s creativity and leadership are already making an impact across Warrnambool.The 2026 Warrnambool Young Citizen of the Year, Warrnambool College Year 12 student and proud young Indigenous woman was recognised for her cultural storytelling, artistic contributions and advocacy for you...

The original Warrnambool College living classrooms have had a bit of a glow-up, and they are looking sensational.

Weeded, mulched, watered, and lovingly rejuvenated back to their very best by educator Anthea Rafferty. This space offers a full sensory experience with rich textures, fresh scents, and colour everywhere you look.

It is always rewarding to see what thoughtful care and time can achieve. These gardens continue to be a place of learning, well-being, and pride, and right now, they are quietly stealing the show.

Nature does the rest.

After several years of sightings and planning conversations, we are delighted to announce that ‘Goldie’, our elusive goldfish, has been successfully caught and rehomed.

Paul and Anthea bravely donned waders to enter the waterways, with students and staff observing the process. Special thanks to Mr Braithwaite for skillfully netting Goldie and ensuring a smooth transition to her new home.

Mrs Rafferty’s Year Seven students were thrilled to see their mural published in the locally created Kelp magazine. The artwork has also been used as the background for the vouchers and enlarged into super cute mascots. Congratulations to Florrie, Maggie, Lacey, Grace and Summer for your outstanding collaboration and creativity in bringing this mural to life.
Thank you to Katrina Carey, founder of Kelp Magazine, for supporting our young people.

Today, we had the privilege of sharing a remarkable act of generosity with our Year 10 Architecture students. Five bikes, beautifully restored by the volunteers at the Warrnambool Men’s Shed.

Our students were invited to find each bike a new home and had the pleasure of delivering them to Gunditjmara. This visit offered an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the services available and the holistic approach that is integral to supporting Aboriginal young people and families.

A heartfelt thank you to Bec and Belinda for generously sharing their knowledge and time. Their insight helped students understand the broader impact of community care and culturally informed support.

Anthea & Janene

Today, we delivered the Christmas gift boxes to MacKillop Family Services, created by our Year 10 Architecture students for young people in need. Each box was thoughtfully decorated and filled with art supplies to spark creativity and support wellbeing.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ella Webb, the team at Henna Street Framing, and Stacey, Michael and Aaron from Office National Warrnambool for their generous financial contribution and donation of art materials. Their support ensured every gift was purposeful, practical and delivered with genuine care.

This initiative highlights the strength of community partnerships and the meaningful impact they have on young people.

Warm regards,
Anthea & Jenene

Community Christmas Project Update.

A big thank you to Ella Webb, Henna Street Framing, and Michael & Stacey Robins from Warrnambool Office National for supporting our Community Christmas Project!

Our Year 10 Architecture students have been incredible, decorating and filling creative art boxes with care. Each box is thoughtfully designed, with donated art materials chosen to spark joy and imagination for the young people receiving them.

This project is a win–win: students contribute to something bigger while helping deliver meaningful Christmas gifts to our community. The room is buzzing with purpose (and a little teenage chaos!), and the pride they’re taking in their work is wonderful to see.

Anthea, Janene & Year 10 Architecture students

On Friday, 31 October, Meekah Merriman, Haylee Dalton and Anthea Rafferty were invited to join the Community Reference Group for the Community Leadership Program’s Six Seasons Indigenous Artwork Project.

This initiative is a wonderful example of youth leadership in action, showcasing student voice, cultural learning and community collaboration.

Year 10 Architecture Excursion to Lyndoch

Our Year 10 Architecture students thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Lyndoch on Friday, 24th October. The excursion provided a valuable opportunity to explore long-term accommodation design and understand how built environments can enhance comfort, accessibility and dignity for residents in aged care.

This experience gave students a deeper appreciation of how thoughtful architecture extends beyond structure — shaping spaces that promote wellbeing, connection and quality of life.

As a gesture of thanks, students presented a large bouquet of native flowers from the school garden to the Lyndoch community — a small way to share our appreciation and connection through nature.

A heartfelt thank you to the Lyndoch Men’s Club, Stephen, Leo and staff for their generosity and time in welcoming and engaging with our students.

This week, Year 7 Art and Design students have been experimenting with modelling clay to create 3D models as they explore a range of art materials while learning about Pixel Pets.