Water tanks around the Yarra Ranges have been transformed into works of art that pay homage to the rich history and culture of the local First Nations as part of a Council public art project.
So far, water tanks have been completed at Spadonis Reserve, Yering, Kalorama Recreation Reserve, Kalorama, and McMahons Creek Rd, McMahons Creek.
Yarra Ranges Council Indigenous Development Coordinator, Garry Detez said the project which has been delivered by Council’s Bushland team and partners with the Indigenous Advisory Committee, aims to foster a deeper connection between indigenous culture and the community.
“This public art project, particularly focused on water tanks situated on the Country of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, showcases Council’s commitment to local Indigenous heritage.”
“These water tanks not only serve as visual representations of the area’s natural environment but also stand as symbols, celebrating the vibrant culture and stories that have shaped the Yarra Ranges and serve as a reminder of the enduring significance of the regions Indigenous history.”
Council plans to continue this journey, with a total of 9 murals slated for completion in the future.
Through their meticulous brushstrokes, Wurundjeri artist, Mandy Nicholson, Dja Dja Wurrung, artist Ky-ya Nicholson-Ward, and Kirrae Whurrong artist, Fiona Clarke have brought to life the region’s diverse fauna, infusing each water tank with site-specific artwork that reflects the local connection to country, history, and culture.
Kirrae Whurrong artist, Fiona Clarke completed the water tank at McMahons Creek and said it was important to showcase Aboriginal artwork locally.
“I’m very proud to be involved and selected among all the artist who are painting the water tanks,” Mrs Clarke said.
“When I got selected to paint the water tank, we spoke with local people who lived in the area and what they would like to see, which included lyrebirds and animals that called the area home and so I wanted to present those ideas in my art.”
“What I’ve painted in my piece is the local fauna – cockatoos and lyrebirds, wombats, platypus and waterholes and eels as they’re all symbols and animals that call the McMahon Creek area home.”
Each tank has a budget of $15,000 to cover the cost of artist fees, their materials and any equipment needed.
Several more tanks are expected to be completed across the region at Kalorama Memorial Reserve, Ernest Lloyd Reserve, Gruyere Recreation Reserve, Wards Rd Reserve, and Wandin East Reserve.
