Minlacowie mural brings Narungga connection to life

A team of talented artists have completed a stunning mural on SA Water’s Minlacowie water tank in just nine days, celebrating the region’s Traditional Owners – the Narungga people of Yorke Peninsula.

The tank, measuring almost six metres high and more than 100 metres in diameter, now displays the four Narungga totems, including the shark, eagle, kangaroo and emu.

The mural project was led by renowned artist Mike Makatron who mentored emerging Aboriginal artist Harley Hall along with Conrad Bizjak, Dylan Butler, Jason Swales and Sabine Meyer.

SA Water’s General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said the story behind the mural was driven by the local Narungga community.

“Development of the mural concept involved Harley speaking with his Narungga Elders, using resources from Narungga Aboriginal Progress Association and seeking approval from the Yorke Peninsula Art and Cultural Facilitator and Narungga Elder Sonya Rankine,” Nicola said.

“We’re confident the mural will provide a talking point for ongoing conversations on the value of the Narungga people’s knowledge, experience and contribution to the region.

“The Minlacowie tank will also continue to play an important role in delivering clean, safe drinking water to local homes and businesses, and the amazing work of these artists has now transformed it into a significant community asset.

“This project came together through the hard work of the local Progress Association and Yorke Peninsula Council, and it’s great to see our infrastructure brought to life through this outstanding mural.”

Yorke Peninsula Council Mayor Darren Braund said they’re excited about the expansion of the Southern Yorke Peninsula Water Tower Mural Trail, which already includes amazing murals at Yorketown, Port Vincent, Stansbury, Coobowie and Edithburgh.

“The Minlacowie tank is a real head turner with vibrant colours and beautiful artwork popping out at you from the road,” Darren said.

Lead artist Mike Makatron said it can be a challenge to work on tanks this big, however it has been made a lot easier working with five different artists on the project.

“When designing this, I wanted an area where each artist had their time to shine or an area to focus on with the end product creating a story,” Mike said.

“It’s really rewarding when you start seeing the story develop over the week, and it has been great fun working on this project.”

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