Water Corporation murals splash down in Whitfords

Hillarys MLA Caitlin Collins, City of Joondalup Councillor Christopher May, artist Michael Hartley and Padbury Primary students at the Splash of Colour Whitfords West Park

• 1970s pump stations in Kallaroo and Craigie transformed into vibrant public artworks
• Comic-style designs showcase west coast lifestyle, fauna and connection to water
• Murals designed by local artist with help from Padbury Primary School students
• Part of Water Corporation's Splash of Colour community art program

Whitfords' sun-kissed coastal lifestyle and local birdlife have inspired two new public murals, unveiled this week by Water Minister Dave Kelly.

The colourful community artworks - funded by Water Corporation's Splash of Colour program - have transformed drab 1970s sewer pump stations in Whitfords West Park in Kallaroo, and Whitfords East Park in Craigie.

Local beach scenes inspired the Kallaroo mural, featuring the sunset over the ocean and Hillarys Dog Beach, while the Craigie artwork showcases the native flora and fauna found in the Craigie Bushland and the Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park. 

Designed and painted by Kallaroo artist Michael Hartley with input from Year 3 and 4 students at Padbury Primary School, the painted pump stations also highlight the journey water takes to be safely treated and delivered to residents.

As part of a design workshop, the students learnt about the water cycle, water conservation and where their water comes from, and its role in sustaining parks and green space.

The McGowan Government - through Water Corporation - has supported Splash of Colour since 2017. In that time, more than 60 water and wastewater structures across Western Australia have been transformed into vibrant community artworks.

View other Splash of Colour projects by following #splashofcolourWA on social media.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"The fantastic new murals significantly enhance the amenity of the Whitfords parks, while also highlighting the unsung role the pump stations serve in the wastewater network.

"Water Corporation's Splash of Colour program is a wonderful initiative that adds real value to our communities, while also showcasing the skills of talented local artists.

"By involving local schools, it also teaches students about WA's unique water cycle, and helps instil waterwise behaviours from a young age."

Comments attributed to Hillarys MLA Caitlin Collins:

"Being so close to the coast, the beaches and parks in the Whitfords area have always played a big part in people's lives.

"Influenced by the workshop with students at Padbury Primary School, Michael captures this perfectly with his bold illustrations and vibrant colours.

"While it's fair to say the old brick pump stations were something of an eyesore, these stunning new murals will be cherished by the community for years to come."

Hillarys MLA Caitlin Collins, City of Joondalup Councillor Christopher May, artist Michael Hartley and Padbury Primary students at the Splash of Colour Whitfords East Park