South East Water's new Aboriginal artwork tells story of water, Country and connection
South East Water has unveiled its new Aboriginal artwork, now featured on 40 digital metering vans and a new community drinking fountain.
Designed by proud Karajarri artist Marcus Lee, the identity tells a story of water, Country and connection, and symbolises South East Water’s service area. It’s a fresh, bright and bold interpretation of the water cycle, flowing in and flowing out.
A proud descendant of the Karajarri people in Western Australia, Marcus was born and raised in Darwin and is now based in Melbourne. Since 2000, he has created culturally relevant designs that tell engaging stories to diverse audiences. Marcus brings a creative understanding of First Nations cultural expressions to his work, reshaping traditional styles into a contemporary design approach.
The main trident formation at the centre of the design is an abstract representation of the service area, and South East Water’s responsibility in Caring for Country.
Three circular meeting place symbols represent South East Water’s relationships with Traditional Owners based on respect, understanding and continuous learning. These symbols are linked by pathways that show ongoing connection.
Victorian Aboriginal cultural expressions are reflected through line work and pathways. This includes a reimagined South East Water flow device motif, interpreted through the identity’s circular design. The design uses 7 colours from the South East Water palette, with green symbolising growth and the life‑giving role of water on the environment.
Artist Marcus Lee said creating this artwork for South East Water has been a meaningful experience.
Artist Marcus Lee said creating this artwork for South East Water has been a meaningful experience.
“Seeing the visual identity come to life in the community is incredibly special – it's a visible commitment to reconciliation.
“The artwork tells the story of water, Country and connection, and reflects the shared responsibility we all have in caring for our waterways”, Mr Lee said.
South East Water collaborated with Aboriginal-led businesses, reflecting the organisation’s reconciliation journey. Employees also helped choose the final design.
The artwork already features at South East Water’s WatersEdge headquarters in Frankston and on employee lanyards.
Customers and community will now see it across the digital metering fleet and a new drinking fountain at McKinnon Reserve, installed as part of reinstatement works for the nearby Elster Creek sewerage upgrade.
South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Karen Lau said the identity reflects the organisation’s responsibilities to the land and waters it manages.
“South East Water is pleased to feature this Aboriginal artwork across our operational and corporate environments. It serves as a reminder of the importance of our connection to communities and the natural environment.
“We’re proud to share this artwork with our customers and community, and we hope you enjoy seeing it across our service area”, she said.
Learn more about the meaning behind the artwork, visit Our Aboriginal artwork | South East Water
Photo 1: South East Water employees showcasing new Aboriginal artwork on digital metering van.
Photo 2: South East Water digital metering van being wrapped with new Aboriginal artwork.
Photo 3: South East Water digital metering van wrapped with Aboriginal artwork.
Photo 4: South East Water Service Stream technicians with digital metering van.
Media contact: media@sew.com.au