Community collaboration brings burst of colour to Bellevue

Local Noongar artist Justin Martin, Year 4/5 class from Clayton View Primary School with teacher Jodie Lander, and Water Corporation representatives by the new community artwork on a wastewater pump station on Elder Way, Bellevue, as part of Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program

• Local Aboriginal artist and school students transform a pump station into a vibrant masterpiece
• The colourful artwork features native wildlife, reflecting the community’s connection to water
• Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program has revitalised more than 80 water and wastewater assets since 2017

A wastewater pump station on Elder Way in Bellevue has been given a colourful makeover after being transformed into a public mural as part of Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program.

The work is thanks to local Noongar artist Justin Martin with help from Year 4 and 5 students at Clayton View Primary School. 

The colourful design followed a waterwise school incursion, where students learnt about Perth’s water supply and the significance of water in Aboriginal culture. 

The resulting artwork, featuring local wildlife, celebrates Noongar culture and the natural beauty of our Country.

The pump station was selected following a recent upgrade project, which now allows it to handle increased inflows as the community grows.  

Meanwhile, in nearby Dayton two electrical cabinets were also recently beautified by Aboriginal artist Sammy Wyborn with help from Year 1 and 2 students at Caversham Primary School. 

Each side of the now colourful cabinets feature a different water story, incorporating Aboriginal symbols for river, rain, kangaroo, and emu in vibrant illustrations that weave around the previously drab infrastructure.

Since its inception in 2017, Water Corporation’s ‘Splash of Colour’ program has brought art to more than 80 water and wastewater assets across Western Australia.

The initiative is part of the WA Government’s Kep Katitjin-Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise action plan 3) to establish leading waterwise communities for Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) by 2030. For more information, visit: watercorporation.com.au/About-us/In-the-community/Splash-of-Colour. 

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

“The Splash of Colour program is a fantastic initiative that not only enhances our water infrastructure but also celebrates community connections to water.

“It’s great to see so many local students learning about Perth’s water supply and Aboriginal culture as part of this program while having the opportunity to collaborate on community art.

“I’m sure the students will take great pride in contributing to a piece of art that will be enjoyed by the whole community as they pass by.” 

Comments attributed to Midland MLA Michelle Roberts:

“I’m thrilled to see how this project has brought the local community together and sparked conversations about the importance of water conservation.

“The vibrant colours and intricate designs truly bring the structure to life and reflect the beauty of our local environment.”

Media contact: Tegan Sapwell  0448 502 065 or 6552 6600

Artist Sammy Wyborn with her recently completed artwork on two electrical cabinets in Dayton

Caversham Primary School students look on as artist Sammy Wyborn showcases the artwork the students helped design in Dayton