Monica's artwork clinches Indigenous naming competition
The fourth mega tunnel boring machine on the Snowy 2.0 project will be named after a talented Tumut High School student who scooped top prize in an Indigenous art and storytelling competition.
Aspiring engineer Monica Brimmer, 15, wowed the judging panel with a stunning piece that reflected the spirit and purpose of Australia's largest renewable energy project.
Inspired by flowing water, connected dams, mountains, energy, an underground power station and a connection to Country, Monica's creation was awarded top marks in the competition, organised by Snowy Hydro in partnership with the Stars Foundation and Tumut High School.
Cheered on by her delighted schoolmates during a special school assembly, Monica said her artwork represented the creation of renewable energy and symbolised a "greener future in which the land and our animals are better cared for".
"When my name was read out I felt nervous and surprised but also really proud. I had hoped to win the competition but I really didn't expect it," she said.
"Knowing there's something really important to the project out there with my name, in the mountains, is really cool.
"I've been interested in engineering for quite a while – and it's pretty cool to put art and engineering together as part of something I could put my mind to."
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Snowy 2.0 is a nation-building project and it's fitting its next tunnel boring machine will carry the name and vision of a young local student and future engineer.
"Monica's artwork captures the spirit of clean energy and connection to Country and reflects the brighter, cleaner energy future we're building together," he said.
"It's inspiring to see the next generation in Tumut leading the way on creativity for Australia's clean energy transformation."
Snowy Hydro Chief Delivery Officer - Snowy 2.0 Dave Evans said the winning artwork perfectly encapsulated the project's role in underpinning Australia's clean energy future.
"Monica's artwork and the story behind it blew all the judges away," he said.
"The lightbulb shines bright and displays the power that we're going to generate for the east coast of Australia through Snowy 2.0's huge 2200MW capacity.
"It also perfectly highlights our workforce who are almost 1 kilometre deep underground in the Snowy Mountains building one of the world's biggest power stations."
Tumut High School principal Brad Taylor said the calibre of entrants was "exceptional".
"Monica is a highly academic student, and someone that we're very proud of at the school, so I'm not surprised she's produced such thoughtful artwork," he said.
Stars Foundation program coordinator Nioka Marlowe said the competition showcased students' talents and storytelling skills.
"This made clear to these young Indigenous girls that they're important – and they're seen – and gave them an opportunity to be on the big stage," she said.
The TBM will shortly begin its assembly at the Marica work site, located on the Snowy Mountains Highway near Yarrangobilly Caves, ahead of tunnelling starting in late 2025.
