06/02/2025
The Mural I have painted is Janet sitting in a well recognised area on Fitzroy St. It’s a place where she would regularly sit with a coffee as she experienced the presence of humanity in all it’s ways. I was prompted to paint this mural as a respect to Janet to honour her living in St Kilda for 59 years.
Janet is a Pakana/Trawlwoolway (Tasmanian) Irish & English woman. “Living here in Euro Yuroke (St Kilda) on the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam of the Boonwurrung – my cousins country gives enhanced meaning to my continued existence. I am blessed and indeed very fortunate.”
And to add to this wonderful story, Janet’s sister also an artist came to the laneway to add a touch of our local Banksia Marginata to the mural on the right hand edge of the painting. I’m truly honoured. ._.art
Janet Galpin was chased up Acland St one day by Donlevy Fitzpatrick who begged her to -come and work with him as Back of House Operations at Dogs Bar and to manage all his various businesses and his life.
Donlevy would be remembered by many as the master visionary who was responsible for taking on 2 of our legendary locations in creating Dogs Bar building (1986- 1989) and the restoration of the George Hotel & Seaview buildings in the early to mid, 90’s
Don soon came up with nicknames for them both “I’m the dreams and you’re the reality” that’s how their working relationship was.
Donlevy was instrumental in challenging Victoria’s Liquor Licensing Laws and paved the way for the now vibrant hospitality precincts in Melbourne’s inner city, South Melbourne and St Kilda. The fact that we can eat and drink on the pavement without food is largely due to this man and his supporters.
Thank you to the city of port Phillip for their on going support with creating this local hand painted laneway of art in