Seven captivating new murals and artworks flowed onto SA Water infrastructure around South Australia during 2023. They have brightened up pump stations and tanks for communities and visitors to enjoy.
These murals are welcome additions to the utility’s growing gallery of public art. They are throughout South Australia, from Minlacowie on the Yorke Peninsula to Loxton in the Riverland and Lochiel Park in Adelaide’s northeast.
SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Marketing, Kellie McDonald, said it has collaborated with many artists, community groups and councils. Together, they have brought these artworks to life over the past year. Every mural brings colour, culture and creativity to the masterpieces.
“Each of these projects was made possible through the hard work and fantastic support of councils and community groups,” McDonald said. “These collaborative efforts have transformed blank walls into eye-catching canvases, showcasing a local connection to water, including with Traditional Owners. It’s also an opportunity to show the rich tapestry of South Australian culture, such as elements of local history, nature and community spirit. Each mural tells a unique story that resonates with the local community.”
What artwork on what water infrastructure?
The artwork painted on SA Water infrastructure in 2023 include:
- Wool Bay water tank and neighbouring shed: This mural depicts the Narungga connection to the land and waters and the power of the landscape over time. It highlights agricultural scenes, the natural elements and iconic local historical sites.
- Lochiel Park water tank: A family of Black Ducks, a Purple Swamphen, and an endangered Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon have now taken up residence on this water tank. It is thanks to a working party of five local artists. The design embraces the local wetland environment. It also includes a few subtle acknowledgements to the local groups and wildlife that frequent Lochiel Park.
- Loxton water pump building: This mural celebrates the picturesque Riverland landscape. It showcases birds native to the area, including the Regent Parrot, Mallee Ringneck and Willy Wagtail. The local feathered friends were captured by a local Loxton artist.
- Swan Reach pump house: This pump house has transformed into a starry mural of Australia’s only dark sky reserve. The sparkling night sky over the river glistens in the background. The region’s iconic birds, including the Australian Pelican, Blue Wren, and laughing Kookaburra, take centre stage in the foreground.
- Minlacowie water tank: The water tank recognises the region’s Traditional Owners, the Narungga people of Yorke Peninsula. This six-metre-high tank is now a kaleidoscope of colour, displaying the four Narungga totems, the shark, eagle, kangaroo and emu. This mural recognises the value of the Narungga people’s knowledge, experience and contribution to the region.
- Oodnadatta water fountain shelter: This mural is on an SA Water drinking fountain. Next to the iconic Pink Roadhouse stands, it provides free access to high-quality water from Oodnadatta’s new desalination plant. A mural on the shelter surrounding the fountain was designed by a local year eight student. All the school students picked up a paintbrush to help bring the design to life. This mural tells the story of the flow and activity of water amidst the scorching outback landscape and its importance to the Oodnadatta community.
- River Torrens outlet wall: Where the river meets the sea stands a striking mural. It includes fairy floss-coloured skies, playful pups on the beach, and an important message promoting the protection of the Hooded Plover’s nesting sites in the surrounding sand dunes. The mural was designed by an Adelaide Hills artist. They welcomed the local community to let their own creativity flow, to help transform this cement canvas into a treasured community masterpiece.
“These SA Water assets continue to play an important role in delivering safe, clean drinking water to homes and businesses around South Australia. Each asset now provides a visual connection to their communities,” Kellie said.
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