An initiative of Friends of Sanger St, the mural represents the Murray River as it flows through Federation Shire, surrounded by artworks depicting the area’s flora and fauna.

Friends of Sanger St president Christine Upton said although everyone had supported the initial idea, it took time to complete.

“It’s been a learning curve, because dealing with public art you have to deal with the owners of the building and the lessees of the building and the local council and lots of other things,” she said.

Twenty-five adult artists, 10 high school students and 59 primary school children helped create the mural’s 80 panels.

Indigenous artist Eddy Harris ran workshops at Lowesdale, Corowa, Corowa South and St Mary’s primary schools, funded under the community artists support program.

Together they made 16 panels depicting animal tracks, with these and the reptile-inspired panels from the Corowa High School students linking the varying styles in the other 64 panels.

Mrs Upton described the mural as “a total community project”.

“I think the youngest person who participated in the artwork would have been six and the oldest one would be in her 80s,” she said.

The mural has been in position and attracting the attention of passers-by for about two weeks.

“The amount of congratulations and enjoyment that occurs with the people going past is just brilliant,” Mrs Upton said.

Friends of Sanger St thanked the Corowa businesses and service groups that had supported the project and hoped many of the participants would attend the official ceremony.

Friday’s launch includes live music and will begin at 6pm in Sanger Street. All are welcome to attend.