Stratford water tower to celebrate Gunaikurnai artwork

Gippsland Water has collaborated with local Gunnai artist Alice Pepper to turn the Stratford water tower into a colourful celebration of First Nations connection to water.  

The organisation commissioned Alice to create the artwork titled Cultural Flow. It represents Gippsland Water working with Traditional Owners to ensure the waterways are cared for, preserved and protected for future generations.  

Managing director Sarah Cumming said Gippsland Water was proud of its partnerships with Traditional Owners and their connection to waterways.  

“The artwork reflects our pride and respect for First Nations communities and provides a cultural learning opportunity for our employees and customers,” Ms Cumming said.  

“We chose Stratford as the site of our first major Aboriginal art installation due to culturally significant sites in the area for Gunaikurnai people and through engagement with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.”  

Artist Alice Pepper said the artwork was a display of pride.  

“The artwork shows the pride we share when we look around on our Country – where we work and live and play.  

“To see the presence of culture through this artwork just brings pride.  

“Stratford is such a special place for us, its where we go for our gatherings and I thought maybe this could be a story about us working together.  

“On the water tower we have Borun representing us and Wahyang, the Spoonbill, representing Gippsland Water, both coming together to connect near the banks of the Dooyeedang (Avon River).”  

The installation is expected to begin in October 2024 and will take around six weeks to complete.  

For more information about Gippsland Water’s work with Traditional Owners visit: http://www.gippswater.com.au/traditionalownersandculturalheritage