Local flora and fauna splashed across Cranbrook cabinet

Christopher Smith (Cranbrook Primary School Principal), Claire Camplin (Water Corporation Project Manager), Charlie Dixon (student), and Isabella Tomlinson (student) in front of Cranbrook's Splash of Colour

Adorned with native flora and fauna and a ‘splash’ of bright colours, Cranbrook town centre is home to Water Corporation’s latest Splash of Colour project. 

A collaboration between Year 2, 3 and 4 students at Cranbrook Primary, regional artist Natalie Veal and the water utility, the mural has transformed a dull cabinet into a vibrant centrepiece.   

Ms Veal explained she worked with students and local community to identify key features of the local area which saw the Cranbrook Bell Flower, Western Spotted Frog and Splendid Fairy-wren incorporated into the design.  

“It was a lot of fun working with the students to learn what local features are meaningful in their daily lives, and these themes were echoed by comments from the community,” said Natalie. 

“Along with an array of local wildlife and plants, I’ve also drawn on regional landforms and water bodies including the pink salt lake, blue lake, and Stirling Ranges to capture the connection to nature and water across the Great Southern”. 

However, the Cranbrook Bell Flower caused the biggest buzz amongst those who stopped to watch the painting come to life with some commenting it was the most realistic depiction of the flora they’d seen.

Water Corporation Great Southern Regional Manager Adrian Stewart said the team identified the cabinet for a makeover while upgrading the local water treatment plant earlier in the year.

"Our project team spent many months in town completing the water treatment plant upgrade works and wanted to give back to the community and celebrate the features of the local area,” said Mr Stewart.

“It was also a great opportunity to engage with the local school and have them be part of designing the artwork, while also educating students about the importance of water in sustaining the natural environment”.   

For those wanting to view Cranbrook’s Splash of Colour, it’s located opposite the post office and adjacent to the RSL on Gathorne Street, Cranbrook.

Splash of Colour artworks have been created on Water Corporation water and wastewater infrastructure since 2017. More than 75 installations across Western Australia tell local stories of water and how it interacts with the land.

For more information about Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/about-us/in-the-community/splash-of-colour