Shoppers, diners and visitors to Mildura’s CBD have attractive new ways to stay hydrated following the installation of new water bubblers.
Lower Murray Water Chair Sharyon Peart said the project was a win-win for the community.
“It’s great to be working in partnership with Mildura Rural City Council and the City Heart on being able to provide the water bubblers and refill stations for the community,” Ms Peart said.
“Not only for people to stay hydrated but also to encourage people to drink tap water for free instead of buying bottled water.”
Mildura’s Deputy Mayor Mark Eckel said Lower Murray Water supplied the water bubblers, Mildura City Heart worked with artists to create designs adorning them, while Council’s role was to install the new units.
Cr Eckel said the bubblers would serve both a practical and an aesthetic purpose and couldn’t have come at a better time as we welcome the warmer weather.
“They not only provide the convenience of a free, clean supply of drinking water close to shops and eateries, but help further brighten up the CBD by showcasing the work of local artists and designers,” he said.
“It shows what can be achieved by partnering with key local agencies such as Mildura City Heart and Lower Murray Water to achieve outcomes for our community.”
Mildura City Heart Manager Danielle Hobbs said the three water bubblers were installed in front of Woolworths’ CBD supermarket in Langtree Avenue, Blue Frog Optics in Eighth Street, with a third to be installed at Klemms Newsagency in the Langtree Mall.
Ms Hobbs said the designs featured the work of well-known local artists and designers and were funded through the COVID Outdoor Activation grant program.
“‘Feels Like 41’ is a riff on the mural in Shilliday’s Lane done by artist Wendy Murray when she was on a residency at Art Vault, and signwriter Moose McGowan,” she said.
“The beautiful fish design is a collaborative work by First Nations artist Sonja Hodge and designer Mark Haynes, while the third design, ‘Astronaut’, was created by designer Tom Hederics and simply adds a bit of fun.”
