Patients at Sunshine Hospital have made their mark on the M80 Ring Road, with hand-made mosaics on permanent display on the bridge at Furlong Road.

Federal Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, said the initiative was developed by creative arts therapist Carolyn-Noël Vincent and patients from the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit at Sunshine Hospital and supported by VicRoads and BMD Constructions.

“The Federal Labor Government sees projects like this as win-win – we have Sunshine Hospital patients showcasing their talents and now we have a hand-crafted mosaic display on the M80 upgrade,” he said.

 Similar artworks also feature at rest stops along the ‘Wellness Trail’, a nine kilometre long walking and cycling path developed by VicRoads in 2009, which runs adjacent to the Western Freeway, Deer Park Bypass.

Member for the Western Metropolitan Region of the Victorian Legislative Council, Andrew Elsbury, said the artwork would contribute to making the M80 much more than just another major road but also an expression of our pride in our community.

“The mosaic display, together with other improvements earmarked for this area including planting and feature walls will enhance the visual appeal of much needed upgrades on the M80.  This will be in stark contrast to bland concrete barriers and chipboard that we have experienced in the past.” Mr Elsbury said.

The mosaic display is part of BMD Construction’s works along the Ring Road between Furlong Road and Sunshine Avenue, which includes building two extra lanes in each direction.

The $2.25 billion M80 Ring Road Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments to improve the 38 kilometre M80 Ring Road from Greensborough to Laverton North.

Media Contacts_____________________________________________________

For Mr Shorten:                  Kieran Barns-Jenkins       03 9326 1300

For Mr Elsbury:                   Andrew Elsbury                  03 9331 7644