As one of the first landmarks in Kununurra, the upgraded Horizon Power depot and new artwork developed by five local Aboriginal artists was unveiled today at a small community event.
The artwork, titled Jalgang/Dawang, was commissioned through Waringarri Arts and co-created by local Aboriginal artists Peggy Griffiths, Ben Ward, Agnes Armstrong, Brenda Ningarmara and Dora Griffiths.
Located on the corner of Victoria Highway and Messmate Way, the artwork incorporates significant concepts important to the people of Kununurra and is intended to convey a feeling of home.
Jon Tarry of Tarrmac Studios collaborated with the artists to develop the large sculpture, that will be lit at night, for all residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Kununurra depot renewal was part of Horizon Power’s Renew the Regions program and supported by $4.5M in funding through the State Government’s WA Recovery Plan.
The program focused on utilising local suppliers and trades to support regional economies and give towns access to green energy and improved services.
The depot upgrade delivers enhanced functionality and significant improvements to the network and communications systems, as well as a revitalised customer centre and interior overhaul – providing an improved customer experience for residents.
Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin was in Kununurra to meet the artists and unveil the recently completed artwork, and renewed depot.
“I’m so pleased we were able to support these five incredible artists who created something that every resident and visitor can enjoy each time they enter Kununurra. Created by locals, the artwork will be here, sharing its story for years to come.
"The Kununurra depot has been a fixture with local residents for decades and was well overdue for an upgrade. The revitalised space enables us to provide an improved customer experience and continue to support the energy needs of the community.”
The investment and works are expected to extend the life of the depot by at least 20 years.
What else is happening in the community?
The charger is the second opened in the Kimberley as part of the WA EV network, with a further six locations scheduled to be completed, including Warmun, Derby and Halls Creek in the coming weeks.
Delivered by Horizon Power and Synergy, the $21 million WA EV Network is opening the State up to EV drivers. Stretching over 7,000 kilometres from Kununurra in the north, to Esperance in the south and east to Eucla, the network helps make clean transportation more accessible to communities across WA.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.