New mural for Port Noarlunga South

A facilities block in Port Noarlunga South has received a vibrant makeover in a collaboration between the City of Onkaparinga and a local artist.

Jenny Berry spent nine days, over a three week period, transforming the plain, cream-coloured block on The Esplanade into a colourful mural featuring Port Jackson sharks.

The vibrant mural—which reflects the beautiful hues of the beach—wraps around the western and northern walls.

“The mural is an opportunity to educate our community about the Port Jackson Sharks which inhabit and frequent Port Noarlunga reef, and yet a lot of people have never heard of them,” Jenny says.

“As a marine life artist, I am passionate that education and awareness is the first step in gaining community support to assisting in protecting and conserving our native fauna.”

“In highlighting local marine life, this mural can help create a vibrant community by encouraging the public to stay longer and utilise surrounding amenities.”

“I seek to capture the beauty and tranquillity that lies beneath the water’s surface and to keep our oceans and coral reefs in the top of the people’s minds.”

Jenny has created murals at Woodcroft Primary School and Woodcroft College.

“Completing murals has shown me the value in public art being able to educate and inform community members about our marine world. It enables the viewer to see a part of our environment that they may never get to experience first-hand,” Jenny says.

Jenny received a public place improvement grant from council to complete the mural. Her proposal was assessed on the quality of her previous work, her concept for the site and experience in delivering similar projects.

Council’s Public Art Project Officer Anna Hughes says the fresh, new look shows what can be achieved when council and the community work together to improve local spaces.

“Educational, inspiring and uplifting art like this brings joy and inspiration to residents and visitors, and are great conversation starters,” Anna says.

“This project is a welcomed upgrade and is a wonderful way for the community to recognise the beauty of this part of the world.”

The public artwork is of one over 200 to discover in the City of Onkaparinga, ranging from large scale murals, to steel sculptural installations and intricate glass work.

To explore the collection, view the interactive map online.

For more information on council’s Grants Program (currently under review) visit council’s website.