Forster creative Adam Murray was commissioned to apply some life and colour to the bins, with the prolific artist using spray paint to add a bright, beachy vibe.

He also applied his touch to the Lifeline bins in Port Macquarie.

Mid North Coast Lifeline marketing manager, Lisa Willows, said the initiative was intended to stop people vandalising and mistreating the bins.

"In combating graffiti and hoping people would have more respect for them, we thought we'd try something different," she said.

"We're the only centre who's done it."

Ms Willows said they planned to do the same at all the Lifeline shops across the Mid North Coast, and are currently seeking an Indigenous artist to paint the bins at the Taree store.

While she admitted it was too early to tell if the initiative would work, she said the response from the public had been great.

"So far nobody's touched them," she said.

"We've only had positive feedback."

Forster Lifeline Shop manager, Peita Dent, said that had very much been the case at her store.

"We've had a really good response," she said.

"A lot of people have been commenting, saying doesn't it look clever."

According to Ms Willows, there's more colour to come for the Forster store, with Adam being asked to expand on the work he's already done.

"Our retail coordinator was so impressed she's commissioned him to come back and paint the outside of the store," she said.

To see more of Adam's art, click here.

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