Candice DiPrinzio at the Brighton One art installation.
Camera IconCandice DiPrinzio at the Brighton One art installation. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Shape Mandurah creating cool

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

WANDERING around central Mandurah at the moment, residents might notice the town is changing and becoming a little bit cool.

A lot of this is thanks to the efforts of Shape Mandurah, a community-run organisation trying to make Mandurah “vibrant”.

They are responsible for Tuckey Lane’s bright brick road, the “Instagram iconic” floral swing mural and changes at Barrack’s Lane.

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On Anzac Day, Shape Mandurah will host Mandurah’s Food Truck Rumble, which will become a permanent event on the last Tuesday of every month.

Candice DiPrinzio is excited about what Shape Mandurah has achieved so far.

“We see it happening in Fremantle and we see Perth starting to be proactive in its approach to engaging residents, creating street art areas, little hidden areas where people can explore the City,” she said.

“Shape is a group of residents who wanted to see a more vibrant Mandurah and see a lot of the spaces that aren’t used activated.

“We created this community and what we are doing is similar to what other areas have done like the Mt Hawthorn hub.”

Shape Mandurah also hosts Mandurah Soup, with the next one happening on April 27.

“There is a big movement for residents in their community to take control and take ownership of their community and not just rely on council,” she said.

“The soups started in Detroit and allow residents to get together and have a soapbox session, and pitch an idea they have for their area and receive money to do it.

“At the next Soup there’ll be a youth section and a general section.

“We want to hear from the youth of Mandurah. It’s a great way for young people to be heard.”

The last soup winner received $3000 for an idea to give homeless people disposable cameras.

The photos taken will be put on canvas and will be displayed at Stretch Festival.

“This enables us to have a conversation about homelessness and tell their stories,” Ms DiPrinzio said.

The prototype festival in January saw the creator of the swing mural Tahnee Kelland and big fisherman creator Ricky Gibson win collectively for their pieces.

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Mr Gibson is responsible for the art space at the Brighton One apartment where Shape’s last Good Nights session was hosted.

“Good Nights travel the South-West and bring musicians to local areas in a more intimate session,” Ms DiPrinzio said.

“It’s BYO and a chilled evening of music.”

Ultimately, Shape Mandurah aims to make town a vibrant hub.

“We want to bring positivity into Mandurah and show that Mandurah is a beautiful place and push out the negative connotations,” Ms DiPrinzio said.

“We want to look forward to the future, and not look to the past of what Mandurah has been, but what Mandurah could be.”

Head to Shape Mandurah for event links and updates.