Kiama mural artist Samuel Hall is gaining wide-spread recognition for his most recent mural on the side of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) station in the Southern Highlands town of Hill Top, depicting two of the local brigades longest serving members, Brian Coates and John Matters.

Now residing in Corrimal, Hall was commissioned to do the artwork after completing a mural on the regeneration of the area after the horrific bushfires the side of the local general store last year.

“These two men are a beacon to the community after a lifetime of dedication to the RFS and both men, who are now in their late 80’s, and with more than 150 years of service between them, went above and beyond to help with their town was threatened by the Wattle Creek blaze,”

“As the fire raged, the two men grabbed torches and bravely led the way on foot to allow earthmoving equipment and fire trucks to move through an old track to help build fire breaks from Buxton to Hill Top.” Hall said.

According to Sam, the two men were a bit reticient to be part of the project, but in the end were happy to take part.

“I met with John and Brian in a local park and we just chatted and I was able to get a few nice candid pics I could use for the project,” he added.

The 20-metre-long mural took more than 75 hours to complete and it appears the whole town took special interest in its progress, with many dropping off drinks and food as Sam worked.

“In the end it was a very special project and one that is very close to my heart,” Sam said.