Two Indigenous artworks, the latest in a series that is transforming Power and Water infrastructure across the Northern Territory, have been officially launched in Darwin. They are located on two water tanks viewable from the Stuart Highway in Parap.

‘Dangalaba (crocodile) on Larrakia Country’ was created by storyteller and artist June Mills, while ’Bilawara (red-tailed black cockatoo) on Larrakia Country’ is the work of Bilawara Lee, Jason Lee and Jesse Bell.

The Community Artwork Project is a collaboration between Power and Water and artists from different regions across the Territory. The project identifies local stories that highlight the connection and importance of power and/or water to the land the organisation operates on.

Power and Water General Manager, Safety, People and Governance, Ian Jackson, said the murals are also an important part of the organisation’s reconciliation journey.

‘Our vision for reconciliation is to be a culturally diverse and inclusive organisation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel respected, safe and recognised as trusted partners, now and into the future,’ he said.

‘We extend our gratitude to all the artists and storytellers who have been involved in the Community Artwork Project, which is breathing new life into our infrastructure and creating visual reminders for the community of the work we’re doing in the reconciliation space.’

The ‘Dangalaba (crocodile) on Larrakia Country’ story:

‘Dangalaba is the crocodile. It is the totem of the Larrakia people.
The Larrakia are saltwater people. This is highlighted by the tribal area.
All of the dreamings are associated with cultural and social wellbeings.
The dangalaba is our source of power and strength.
The dangalaba lives in both saltwater and freshwater.
They cannot be separated. They co-exist and gain strength and energy from each other.’
- June Mills

The ‘Bilawara (black cockatoo) on Larrakia Country’ story:

‘The black cockatoo represents change and enlightenment and herald the coming of rain.
They are believed to be the guides and guardians of the spirits of loved ones on their journey to rest amongst the Ancestors.’
- Bilawara Lee

Power and Water officially unveiled the murals yesterday, at a launch event with the artists. They follow the launch of the ‘Energy Comes from Thunder’ mural in Mparntwe/Alice Springs last month, which was created by a group of Ewyenper Atwatye artists.

To learn more about the stories and art behind the Community Artwork Project, visit Community artwork project | Power and Water Corporation (powerwater.com.au).

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