The Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) is the inspiration behind a colourful community artwork now adorning a brick wastewater pump station in East Fremantle.
Unveiled by Water Minister Dave Kelly, the building on Riverside Road was transformed by Fremantle artist Nathan Hoyle as part of Water Corporation's Splash of Colour program.
Colourful lines, shapes, and patterns adorn the previously indistinct pump station, symbolising the movement of Perth's waterways and capturing the attention of passers-by along the popular riverside route.
Year Three students at East Fremantle's Richmond Primary School helped design the artwork during a workshop, which also taught students about the water cycle and the importance of being waterwise.
The pump station was selected for its prominent waterfront location, and to give back to the Town of East Fremantle and the community following recent upgrade work to ageing water pipes through Water Corporation's Pipes for Perth program.
Since July 2016, the Western Australian Government has invested $228 million into renewing Perth's water supply network, with more than 200 km of water mains - some over 100 years old - now upgraded.
Water Corporation's Splash of Colour program has transformed more than 60 water and wastewater assets across the State into vibrant public artworks since 2017.
For more on Splash of Colour, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au/About-us/In-the-community/Splash-of-Colour or to follow the journey on social media search #splashofcolourWA.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"The Splash of Colour program takes ordinary water and wastewater assets and transforms them into striking works of art that add vibrancy and colour to communities right across WA.
"Importantly, the program also allows local school children to be involved in the design process and provides a platform to teach them why it's so important to be waterwise.
"The McGowan Government is a big supporter of Splash of Colour, with Water Corporation having delivered more than 60 projects across the state since 2017.
"This project is another stunning example of how Water Corporation is giving back to local communities, and I extend congratulations to all involved in what is a fantastic addition to the local waterfront."
As stated by Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley:
"This Water Corporation pump station is in a fantastic location on the shores of East Fremantle, making it an ideal building to include in Splash of Colour.
"Nathan has done a wonderful job involving the students in the design and I'm sure the children will be very excited to see their own drawings captured on the building in bright, bold colours.
"The East Fremantle community really love local and vibrant art, and I have no doubt this mural will be admired by commuters and pedestrians near and afar for years to come."
