Celebration of Aboriginal culture on display at Finnan Park

Hunter Water has revealed a vibrant new mural at its public recreation area at Grahamstown Dam, with the Aboriginal artwork highlighting our community’s deep connection with water.

Designed by Aboriginal artist Jasmine Craciun and painted by street artists UP&UP, the artwork at Finnan Park features the words Badu Niiarrenumba Girru, meaning ‘our water is alive’ in the traditional language of the Worimi people.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack, said the colourful mural demonstrated the importance of reconciliation.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this wonderful project, which is a celebration of Aboriginal culture and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians, the Worimi people, of the land on which Finnan Park is located.

“With the park having recently reopened in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions easing, this is something our entire community can enjoy, both now and for years to come,” said Ms Cusack.

The amenities block at Finnan Park is the latest project in a series of works by Hunter Water to transform previously unattractive assets into beautiful works of art, with an important message.

“The murals are about engaging more meaningfully with our community by involving them in the process and supporting important messages that promote our Indigenous history and the value of water,” said Executive Manager Customer Strategy and Retail, Victor Prasad.

“We’ve previously revitalised a pump station at Mayfield West and before that we updated our reservoir at Charlestown. Like Finnan Park, these murals are highly visible and can be appreciated by all.

“I’m hopeful there’ll be more opportunities in the near future for Hunter Water to work together with the community on projects like this,” said Mr Prasad.