The Wool Bay water tank and shed mural was announced the best rural art in the country at the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards on Friday, March 8.
Painted and designed by Sam Brooks, Harley Hall, Mark Harding, Rachelle Plazeriano and Gary Nowlan, the mural features local flora and fauna, and Wool Bay’s historical lime kiln, and traces the history of the town from its First Nations custodians through to European settlement — from the old port through to the modern day.
The Australian Street Art Awards encourage Australians to explore the world-class public and street art that is freely accessible all year round and found in every corner of the country.
The Wool Bay artwork became the eighth addition to the SYP Water Tower/Tank Mural Trail when it was unveiled in June last year.
“This incredible mural is a testament to the creativity and talent of our local artists, and it has truly transformed our community,” Yorke Peninsula Council mayor Darren Braund said.
“The Wool Bay water tank mural has captured the hearts and imaginations of our community, and I am thrilled to see it recognised on a national stage.
“This mural is not just a piece of art, it is a symbol of our community’s spirit and creativity.
“We look forward to this award bringing more people to Yorke Peninsula to experience the Wool Bay mural and the entire Southern Yorke Peninsula Water Tower Mural Trail.”
Mr Brooks said he hopes this award shines a light on the incredible hard work of Yorke Peninsula Council and the awesome art trail it has built.
“I put so much time and energy into listening to the community, and working alongside different cultures to make sure everyone is included and respected — it’s just great to see that people are recognising that,” Mr Brooks said.
“The only thing that people see is the finished painting, not the years of planning and meetings and design changes so this makes it all worth it.”
Driven by YPC, the project was supported by $130,000 from the federal government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and $20,000 from SA Water.
“We are thrilled the mural on our Wool Bay water tank and nearby storage shed has taken out top prize in the Best Rural Art category,” SA Water general manager of customer, community and engagement David Coombe said.
“The Wool Bay artwork is one of seven murals on our tanks across Yorke Peninsula, and it’s always exciting to witness the transformation of these active structures into vibrant canvases.”
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 13 March 2024.
