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.” She said.
“The Kununurra depot has been a fixture with local resid
ents 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.” she added.
The investment and works are expected to extend the life of the depot by at least 20 years.
Horizon Power also recently opened Kununurra’s first WA EV Network fast charger in the depot carpark, enabling electric vehicles to charge in as little as 20 minutes.
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.
