New mural ‘Energy Comes from Thunder’ unveiled in Mparntwe

Power and Water has unveiled a new mural ‘Energy Comes From Thunder’ on Arrernte country, created by Ewyenper Atwatye artists and painted on the Sturt Pump Station in Mparntwe/Alice Springs (corner of Sturt Terrace and Undoolya Road, East Side).

Carmen Douglas, Power and Water Senior Manager Reconciliation, Diversity and Inclusion, said the artwork was of lightning, electricity and water, and the connection to the natural world, was part of Power and Water's reconciliation journey.

‘Power and Water’s vision for reconciliation is to be a culturally diverse, modern multi-utility where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel respected, safe and recognised as trusted partners now and into the future,’ Ms Douglas said.

‘We have been engaging Traditional Owners, Elders, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to identify local stories that highlight the continued connection and importance of power and water relevant to the land where we operate, and our infrastructure is located.’

‘Joined by the Ewyenper Atwatye artists, Carol Young, Raelene McMillan, Stella McMillan, Cheyenne Abbott, Phyllis Stevens, Cheryl McMillan and Loretta Neil, we listened to the story of rain and lightning strikes that started bush fire and created electricity, told by Tim McNamara, Beverly McMillan, Stella McMillan and Raelene McMillan Ewyenper Atwatye.’

This collaboration between Power and Water and the Ewyenper Atwatye artists embodies the spirit and energy of the Arrernte people, made possible by the Tangentyere Artists program, which supports Town Camp artists to share their stories, culture and lives through art.

Energy Comes from Thunder is the fourth reconciliation artwork to be painted on Power and Water infrastructure. The artworks develop and strengthen the relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and help build meaningful partnerships.

‘We thank the Ewyenper Atwatye artists and storytellers for partnering with us to continue to build on what we have achieved so far for a stronger, culturally inclusive organisation that works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,’ Ms Douglas said.

Learn more about the stories of power, water and our community artwork project in the Northern Territory.

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We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and are committed to reconciliation among all Australians.

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