A spectacular new mural, born from a unique collaboration between the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and renowned Melbourne artist David Booth (known as Ghostpatrol), has been unveiled at Queen Victoria Market today.The artwork is set to become a focal point within the Market, connecting young people with fresh, seasonal produce and healthy eating.
The Ghostpatrol mural was created with the help from students at nearby Debney Meadows Primary School (Flemington) and illustrates the importance of educating children about the joys of growing, harvesting and preparing fresh food.
This initiative comes as Queen Victoria Market reveals that more than 10,000 students visit Queen Victoria Market annually for school trips and informal visits, making the mural a powerful and engaging educational tool within the Market’s bustling environment.
The mural also acknowledges a transformative partnership between the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and VicHealth to give children at more than 500 Victorian schools a positive relationship with fresh, healthy food.
For 20 years, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation has been at the forefront of inspiring young minds to embrace fresh food through hands-on learning in the kitchen and garden. The unveiling of this mural at the iconic Queen Victoria Market, a cornerstone of Melbourne’s food culture, marks a significant milestone in this mission.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see this joyful mural come to life at Queen Victoria Market,” said Stephanie Alexander, legendary cook and Founder of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.
“It perfectly captures the spirit of our work – connecting children with the source of their food and instilling a lifelong love of fresh, delicious produce. To see the students’ creativity woven into the artwork is truly inspiring,” she said.
Mural artist Ghostpatrol is known for his distinctive style that blends playfulness with themes of place, culture and sustainability. His connection to the Foundation runs deep with his mother having been a dedicated volunteer.
“I love taking kids’ rough, honest sketches and turning them into something big and bold,” Ghostpatrol said.
“It’s all about trust, imagination, and a little bit of messy magic.”
Queen Victoria Market CEO Matt Elliott added: “Queen Victoria Market is a place where Melburnians connect with the best fresh produce our state has to offer. We are delighted to partner with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and Ghostpatrol to unveil this stunning mural. It reinforces our commitment to educating the community, especially young people, about the importance of healthy eating and the role the Market plays in providing access to quality, seasonal food.”
The new mural can be viewed on the Market’s A Shed, facing Victoria Street.
Image credit: Natalie Jeffcott
