A MURAL in memory of Natalie Russell will be installed on the Frankston North track named after her.
Natalie Russell was walking home from school on what is now known as Nat’s Track in 1993 when she was taken and killed. Works will soon begin to improve the track, which is still used by students today.
Ms Russell’s parents Brian and Carmel praised the plans to improve the track. “We are pleased and honoured about the works – it’s what we have wanted and they will improve safety,” Brian Russell said.
Frankston Council recently approved spending another $87,000 on the track. That funding will be used for solar lights, landscape beautification, public art, and the installation of the memorial artwork in consultation with Ms Russell’s family.
Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said council has already spent $80,000 “for the installation of CCTV at the Skye Rd end of the track, with footage streamed live to the Frankston Police Station.”
“Council has also invested $25,000 on the installation of warning signage and access gates to deter monkey bike activity, and the construction of decorative planter boxes as part of a Monterey Secondary College VCAL program,” he said.
“Peninsula Kingswood Golf Club also replaced 100 metres of fencing along the track with the support of a $10,000 council grant. The track was also recently repaved to improve wheelchair and bicycle accessibility.”
Principal of John Paul College, where Ms Russell attended, John Visentin, said “the school community is proud to be a partner in the project with Frankston City Council and other schools and organisations to ensure that Nat’s Track is safe for the use of students and the wider public.”
“Our students acknowledge the College’s special link and responsibility for this track given the connection to former John Paul College student, Natalie Russell, and they look forward to lending their skills and time to bring this project to its completion,” he said.