Wool Bay Water Tank Mural has been recognised as Australia’s best rural art experience.

The tank and shed murals, a project of Yorke Peninsula Council, were announced as the Best Rural Art for 2023 at the Australian Street Art Awards on Friday, 8 March.

The murals, located on Green Flat Road, were designed, and painted by Sam Brooks and Harley Hall, with the assistance of Mark Harding, Rachelle Plazeriano and Gary Nowlan.

The artwork traces the history of Wool Bay from Narungga First Nations to European settlement and the town port through to modern day, including local flora and fauna as well as the town’s iconic lime kiln.

“This incredible mural is a testament to the creativity and talent of our local artists, and it has truly transformed our community,” 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.”

The Australian Street Art Awards, a tourism awards program for public art, encourages Australians to explore the world-class street and public art that is freely accessible all year round and found in every corner of the country.

“Artworks are unique and therefore clever communities promote their outdoor art, including welcome art, as a unique attraction that visitors can see in only one place,” Awards Director Liz Rivers said.

“That makes investing in outdoor art as a visitor attraction mechanism good economic sense, especially when you consider that these art assets are typically far less expensive to create and maintain than more traditional tourism attractions.”

The Wool Bay artwork is part of the Southern Yorke Peninsula Water Tower Mural extension project, which also includes the recently completed giant mural at Minlacowie.

The project was made possible with funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and support 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.

“This masterpiece not only celebrates the history of the Yorke Peninsula, but also adds a splash of colour to our local infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in supplying water to the local area.

“A special thank you to everyone who worked with us to make this extraordinary project a reality.

“The Wool Bay artwork is one of seven murals on our tanks across the Yorke Peninsula, and it’s always exciting to witness the transformation of these active structures into vibrant canvases.”

Artist Sam Brooks said he was grateful to hear his work had been recognised nationally.

“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,” he said.

“The only thing that people see is the finished painting, not the years of planning, meetings, and design changes so this makes it all worth it.

“I hope this award shines a light on the incredible hard work of Yorke Peninsula Council and the awesome art trail they have built.”

 

 About the Wool Bay Mural

Artists: Sam Brooks (lead artist), Harley Hall, Mark Harding, Rachelle Plazeriano (mentorship recipient), Garry Nowlan (junior mentorship recipient)

Design includes: Town history on the shed, starting with Narungga First Nations (including line work, significant fauna and symbol for meeting place/community) then progressing to the early days of the Wool Bay port, modern Wool Bay on the tank with flora and fauna (taken from a photos supplied by Wool Bay residents), feature piece on the back of the tank ‘Women in the clouds’ in recognition of both the modern agricultural area’s reliance on rainfall as well as women’s contributions to Wool Bay throughout time.