An Australian ringneck and young kangaroo are just some of the new members of the Serpentine Jarrahdale community, following the completion of a new Oakford mural.
Year 6 students from Woodland Grove PS were electrified when they were asked to be part of a state-wide Water Corporation project.
Woodland Grove art teacher Marisa Gallin said when she was emailed by Water Corp about the project, she was so excited by the opportunity, she called back straight away.
Thirty students were then selected across the cohort to take part in an artist workshop with Rockingham-based artist Danielle Pollard.
“She invited the students to design their own ideas, which she then used as inspiration for the final mural,” Ms Gallin said.
Ms Gallin said the students were excited about meeting a real-life artist.
“You could feel a real buzz in the art room while they were working,” she said.
“It was something special.
“They loved seeing the finished mural and are already looking forward to more creative community projects in the future.”
Water Corp said the mural highlighted how local species were dependent on waterways and encouraged awareness of the vital role water played in sustaining healthy ecosystems.
Water Corp general manager customer and community Karen Willis said Woodland Grove was selected because it was close to the Jersey Road pump station.
“When we identify a new site for the Splash of Colour (program), we contact a local primary school and invite them to participate in a free Water Corporation waterwise school incursion about their local water supply, along with an art workshop from the artist we have engaged,” she said.
“Our Splash of Colour program has delivered more than 90 murals and rotates among local government areas to help achieve an even spread of sites.
“We’re pleased to have delivered our first project within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.”
Ms Willis said the project showed how art and education can combine to inspire local communities.
“This community initiative is about more than beautifying water infrastructure,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Gallin said she felt proud to be part of a project which connected Woodland Grove students with their community and provided them with the opportunity to work with an artist.
“The students really impressed me with their enthusiasm and creativity throughout the process,” she said.
“The stronger our connections within the community, the stronger our community becomes.”
