In Lochiel Park, Campbelltown, a quiet transformation has taken place. What was once a functional SA Water water tank has now become a collaborative canvas adding an extra touch of community spirit to the area.
Here, Black Ducks, a Purple Swamphen, and the rare Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon aren’t merely fauna that inhabit the wetlands but key figures in an artwork project that tells a story of nature, water, and community collaboration.
The brilliance behind this mural can be attributed to lead artist Grant Fleming, renowned for his vivid chalk art renditions in the region. Under his leadership, four dedicated artists united their talents to create a mural that would engage, inspire, and remind locals of the richness of their ecosystem.
But this endeavour wasn’t solely artist-driven. Kellie McDonald, SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Marketing, highlighted the participation of the local community- she says the local community voted on several designs, with the wetland scene proving to be the most popular.
“The working party of five artists – including Ann Marie Morrissey, Beiha-Malen Yanez, Grant Fleming, Leon Ferrante and Tali de Lacy – have various connections to the local community and began their work on a voluntary basis in August 2022 under the guidance of the council,” Kellie said.
“Each artist developed mural designs that were voted on by the community and we were able to choose the final design from the three most popular, which was a design reflecting the important role wetlands play in our natural environment.
“This new artwork – designed by Grant – is a permanent reminder to the community of the beautiful habitat on their doorstep and I encourage everyone to visit Lochiel Park and enjoy the painting.”
The colourful water tank is located by the River Torrens Linear Trail, and a stone’s throw from the Lochiel Parkrun starting point.
Lead artist Grant shares the inspiration behind the mural, saying the concept for the mural is based on the native surroundings and the critical role water plays in supporting life.
“The selection process emphasised the importance of choosing a design that is in harmony with the local environment,” Grant says.
“River Red Gums are a valuable element of the local habitat and Kaurna culture, with the blue background of the mural representing water, while the circles are light reflecting on the surface and bubbles underwater.
“Public art helps us to connect with the places where we live, work and visit, and I hope this mural, will bring joy and inspiration to the community for many years to come. If they look close enough, passersby might even notice a few subtle acknowledgements to the local groups and wildlife that frequent Lochiel Park.”
Lochiel Park’s new adornment joins a suite of murals that SA Water, in partnership with community groups, has introduced to amplify South Australia’s infrastructure aesthetics in the past year. It’s an intersection of art, nature, and community spirit, standing tall and proud.
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