Splash of Colour
Guildford
Tash Gillespie
Community Artists with Elder Herbert Bropho
OVERVIEW
This project focused on the transformation of a wastewater pump station into a striking piece of public art that celebrates the Noongar community’s deep connection with Derbarl Yerrigan and Djarlgarro Beeliar – Noongar names for the Swan and Canning Rivers.
After extensive community consultation, Noongar artists Rod Garlett and Nathan Corunna were engaged to lead the mural’s design and creation, and create the mural, alongside community artists Darren Hutchens and Lawry Halden.
Twenty20 members of the Moorditj Maaman Men’s Group and Indigo Junction's Strong Fathers program also contributed to the mural design, which was also approved by local Elders.
Over three weeks in October 2020, a vibrant waugal (rainbow serpent) was painted on the building, as well as silhouettes of moorditj maaman (strong men), signifying the strength of male role models in Noongar society.
The mural was unveiled at a community celebration held in November 2020. Whadjuk Noongar elder Herbert Bropho opened the event and said it was an important reminder of Guildford’s pre-colonial history.
