- Como artist helps brighten suburban Manning with colourful public mural
- Designed with local students to reflect community's connection to water
- More than 70 Water Corporation assets transformed into public artworks since 2017
A drab wastewater pump station in Manning has been given a new lease on life after being transformed into a vibrant public mural unveiled today by Water Minister Don Punch, through Water Corporation's Splash of Colour program.
Built in the 1950s on the corner of Griffin Crescent and Challenger Avenue, the previously redbrick pump station now features willie wagtails playing among native eucalyptus leaves and blossoms.
Shades of blue represent the nearby Canning River and help catch the eye of passersby and those visiting the adjacent Manning Bowling Club.
The artwork was designed by Como artist Jordan Andreotta, who drew inspiration from a special workshop with year 4 students at nearby Manning Primary School.
During the workshop, students learnt about the water cycle, the role water plays in everyday life and why it is so important to be waterwise in a drying climate.
Since 2017, more than 70 water and wastewater assets across Western Australia have been given a colourful makeover through Splash of Colour, with each project reflecting the community's connection to water.
Splash of Colour is part of the Cook Government's Kep Katitjin-Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2) which aims to establish Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) as leading waterwise cities by 2030.
Under the plan, Water Corporation is working with local communities to strengthen community connection to local water stories and the environment.
For more information about Splash of Colour, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/About-us/In-the-community/Splash-of-Colour .
Comments attributed to Water Minister Don Punch:
"Most passersby wouldn't have noticed the pump station previously, which is in stark contrast to this wonderful mural that really enlivens the wider area.
"It's a fantastic example of what Splash of Colour is all about - taking a drab and unassuming structure like a pump station and using it as a canvas for public art.
"Importantly, each of the more than 70 Splash of Colour projects across WA reflect and reinforce the role water plays in our everyday lives.
"In a state like WA where the impacts of climate change are so stark, appreciating the scarcity of precious natural resources like water is an important part of making sure we use them sustainably."
Comments attributed to South Perth MLA Geoff Baker:
"This mural is awesome and is a great example of community collaboration. I'd like to congratulate Jordan, students from Manning Primary School and the team at Water Corporation for delivering such a striking piece.
"Public art can make such a difference to our streets and suburbs, and the fact this piece was designed with help from local school students, who also got the opportunity to learn about our water supply, makes it even better."
