Hilltop RFS | Sam Hall
This 20-metre portrait mural by Kiama-based artist Samuel Hall honours two of Hill Top’s most dedicated Rural Fire Service volunteers: Brian Coates and John Matters. Now in their late 80s, Brian and John have each served with the RFS for over 75 years, contributing more than 150 years of combined service to their community.
Their legacy includes fighting fires, assisting with floods and storms, conducting hazard reduction burns, and mentoring younger brigade members. During the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, both men played crucial roles in guiding emergency vehicles through fire trails to build firebreaks between Buxton and Hill and helped protect the town during one of its most dangerous fire seasons.
The mural, painted on the exterior of the Hill Top RFS station, captures their quiet strength and enduring commitment. Monarch butterflies, a motif that connects to Hall’s PTT mural just across the road on the Hill Top Village Store.
About the Artist: Sam
A multi-disciplined Artist Sam grew up on the South Coast of NSW. Connected to nature and the ocean from an early age, he draws inspiration from nature, travel and the connections made both with humans and spiritually. Sam has worked closely in the mental health sphere, in particular youth services and disabilities. Suffering from a rare nerve disease himself, he uses his vibrant energy, passion for human connection and artistic talents when painting in the public arena to try to be a positive role model for people to overcome adversity.
Address: W Parade, Hill Top NSW 2575
This mural was part of the PAINT THE TOWN FESTIVAL – funded through the Federal Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.
