The new addition in Mountain Creek was painted by artist Owen Cavanagh, known for his surf-inspired paintings, including one of Mudjimba Island on a farming shed along the motorway near Sunshine Coast Airport.
“My mural was inspired by the beaches we’re surrounded by and took 40 hours to complete, using an airbrush, spray gun and a little bit of magic thrown on top – little sprinkles of saltwater,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“Unitywater’s Community Art Program is a great initiative – when you’ve got assets that are already in the public eye, why not turn them into something that will leave the community feeling inspired on their way to work, dreaming about a beautiful sunrise.”
Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Engagement, Joshua Zugajev, said the program was designed to transform water and wastewater infrastructure into creative installations that could enhance local surroundings.
“Our Community Art Program provides local artists with the opportunity to flex their creativity and helps us turn essential pieces of infrastructure into a photo backdrop for locals and tourists, while deterring graffiti, as vandals are less likely to tag other artists’ work,” Mr Zugajev said.
The artist behind the new, vibrant, blue artwork on Nicklin Way is local Kabi Kabi artist, Zartisha Davis, who drew inspiration from shell middens – ancient deposits left by her ancestors that tell stories of thousands of years feasting on seafood along the coastline, connecting past to present.
“I have a deep connection to the coast and sea, so the artwork I’m creating will centre around shell middens – ancient deposits left by my ancestors that tell stories of thousands of years of gathering and feasting,” Ms Davis said.
“The shell middens represent so much more than a diet. They reflect our relationship with the land, sea, and animals, speaking to stories, language and coming together over abundant feasts of seafood along the coastline,” she said.
The new murals can be found on the roundabout at the corner of Karawatha Drive and Golfers Drive in Mountain Creek, and at Jessica Park on Nicklin Way, Minyama (southbound).
Learn more about Unitywater’s Community Art Program and other upcoming artworks at www.unitywater.com/artwork
