Water way to add a Splash of Colour to pump station

Students from Glen Huon Primary School in Eaton have teamed with local Wardandi and Balardong Noongar artist Tahlia Bennell and Water Corporation to transform an everyday wastewater pump station into a vibrant public artwork.

As part of Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program, Year 5 students took part in a cultural workshop with Ms Bennell where they learnt about traditional owners’ connection to local waterways.

Students also had a hand in helping design a 55m banner that will wrap around a Water Corporation site on the corner of Monash Boulevard and Eaton Drive.

Ms Bennell said the final design was inspired by the importance of water in Aboriginal culture.

“Local Aboriginal people have a really strong cultural connection to the rivers, wetlands and waterways across the South West and hopefully people see this reflected in the mural,” she said.

“Stories form a big part of Aboriginal culture, which is why it was fantastic to have the opportunity share Dreamtime stories with the students.

“The designs they produced were fantastic and really helped inform the final design.”

Glen Huon principal Carolyn Nankervis said the school takes pride in its smart water usage and the students loved the incorporation of indigenous culture.