Hunter Water has been making strides in enhancing the amenity of open stormwater channels across the region, with a key project at Litchfield Park in Mayfield closing out the series of upgrades. The upgrades were designed to enrich the natural environment and bring the community closer to their local creeks and waterways.
Executive Manager, Customer Delivery, Glen Robinson, highlighted the importance of the upgrades, specifically the mural at Litchfield Park.
“This work is about much more than beautifying a space. It’s about helping people reconnect with their environment, particularly the waterways that are vital to our ecosystem.
By revitalising these areas, we’re creating spaces for everyone to enjoy, while also fostering a deeper understanding of the impact our actions within the catchment have on water quality.
“One of the standout features of our stormwater amenity upgrades has been the installation of murals by local artists. These vibrant pieces of art tell stories of the community’s connection to water and the land. They are a perfect example of how we can transform previously undervalued assets into something that brings pride and a sense of belonging to the community,” Glen said.
Up&Up, in collaboration with Dhiiyaan Art, designed the mural with extensive community engagement from local students. For Up&Up founders, Faith and Shane, it was important to create a thoughtful mural design for Litchfield Park that included ideas from students local to the area.
“The mural is collaborative artwork that has been created with significant contributions from the students at Islington Public School. The design process started with a visit to the mural site, followed by a workshop where 50 enthusiastic students shared their ideas on maintaining healthy stormwater channels.
“The mural is a vibrant blend of Aboriginal Art and Street Art, showcasing the students’ insights and Hunter Water’s environmental message. The elements of the mural – leaves, earth, people, and the phrases’ Caring for Country’ and ‘Country Cares for Us’ – emphasise the deep reciprocal relationship between people and the environment, a principle deeply rooted in Indigenous culture,” said Shane.
Jess from Dhiiyaan Art added, “This mural beautifully reflects the balance and harmony of nature, with thriving sea life in clean, free-flowing water, reinforcing the importance of healthy waterways for the well-being of our ecosystems.”
This mural concludes the stormwater amenity upgrades taking place in Mayfield which was the final of four locations across the region. The amenity improvement work has varied from site to site, but some changes have included replacing sections of concrete walls and installing sloped embankments or tiered sandstone blocks. Others have featured murals by local street art companies, upgraded fencing, or a link to planned Council cycleway routes.
The amenity improvements were designed so they wouldn’t impact flooding in the catchment but would serve as a reminder that our waterways have been, and always will be, part of our community.
IMAGE | Mayfield Mural
