Local wildlife makes a splash in Oakford for National Water Week
Artist Danielle Pollard with her completed mural on Jersey Road, Oakford, under Water Corporation’s public art program, Splash of Colour
An inquisitive Australian ringneck and a young kangaroo are among local wildlife showcased on a new mural in Oakford under Water Corporation’s public art program, Splash of Colour.
Unveiled during National Water Week (20-26 October), the vibrant artwork was created in collaboration with Woodland Grove Primary School and artist Danielle Pollard, and is the first of its kind in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
Adorning electrical cabinets for a belowground wastewater pump station on Jersey Road, the artwork highlights how local species depend on waterways and encourages awareness of the vital role water plays in sustaining healthy ecosystems.
Year 6 students participated in an art workshop, creating oil pastel designs inspired by local waterways and wildlife. Water Corporation’s education team also delivered an engaging incursion, teaching the class about the water supply system and waterwise behaviours.
Water Corporation General Manager Customer and Community Karen Willis said the project demonstrated how art and education can combine to inspire local communities.
“Completed for National Water Week, the Jersey Road mural is a wonderful addition to our Splash of Colour program – and our first within Serpentine Jarrahdale,” Ms Willis said.
“This community initiative is about more than beautifying water infrastructure – it aims to foster a deeper connection between people, community, and the essential role water plays in our lives.
“By involving students from Woodland Grove in both the design and water education workshops, we’re helping young minds understand where our most valuable resource comes from and why it’s important to use it wisely.”
The theme of this year’s National Water Week is Bring Water into Focus to encourage people to see water as the invisible thread connecting everything in our lives. It aims to drive behaviour change and highlight the value of water across homes, schools, business and community.
Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program
The Splash of Colour program aims to transform everyday water and wastewater infrastructure into colourful creations that express the community’s connection to water. Since its launch in 2017, the program has brightened communities with more than 90 murals across the state.
The initiative supports 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. Under the plan, Water Corporation is working with local communities to strengthen community connection to local water stories and the environment.
For more information, visit watercorporation.com.au/About-us/In-the-community/Splash-of-Colour.
Hop along! Reverse side of the Water Corporation mural inspired by local waterways and wildlife