Facelift for two WA pump stations

Two pump stations in Western Australia have been transformed with public murals as part of Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program. 

In Orelia, the brick building now offers a colourful entry to Hennessy Park thanks to young artist Imogen Palmer, whose work features a black swan and a white-faced heron.

Visible from local homes and a nearby playground, the piece aims to depict the beauty of nature on a background of pastel blues and purples.

A workshop with year five and six students from North Parmelia Primary School informed the design, with the classes’ drawings incorporated into the final mural.  

In St James, local artist Bec Abdy worked with a palate of earthy tones to depict a black-faced cuckoo shrike soaring through native bushland.

The piece can be seen from nearby homes and busy footpaths, adding colour and vibrancy to the area.

Year two students at Millen Primary School shared their ideas during a special workshop which helped inspire the design.

Since its inception in 2017, Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program has transformed more than 75 water and wastewater assets into vibrant public artworks, adding a sense of colour and vibrancy to local communities.

The program is an initiative under the Western Australian Government’s Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2), which aims to establish Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) as leading waterwise communities by 2030.

Western Australian Minister for Water, Simone McGurk, said, “It’s fantastic to see these once faded water assets transformed into public murals that celebrate the environment and illustrate our everyday connection with water.

“Aside from adding colour to local streets, the Splash of Colour program is a fantastic way to engage with local school children and help them understand the importance of water in our lives.

“That message is so important because we know the earlier we start talking to children about being waterwise, the more likely they are to carry those waterwise behaviours into adulthood.

“In just seven years, more than 75 murals have been created, which is a testament to how well the Splash of Colour program is run, and to what it offers local communities.”

Kwinana MLA, Roger Cook, said, “This impressive Splash of Colour artwork transforms the entry to Hennessy Park and perfectly captures the community’s connection to water.

“Thanks to the year five and six students at North Parmelia Primary School for their design ideas, which along with the work of artist Imogen Palmer, has resulted in this fantastic mural the whole community can enjoy.”

Victoria Park MLA, Hannah Beazley, said, “The striking work of art in St James has made over what was once a faded pump station – and now provides a gorgeous pop of colour.

“Well done to year two students at Millen Primary School for helping come up with the ideas that shaped this mural – and especially to the work of talented local artist Bec Abdy, for bringing it to life.”

Featured image: Young artist Imogen Palmer’s artwork on the Orelia pump station. Image credit: Water Corporation.

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