Science, conservation and creativity converge

Deadly Sista Girlz at Southern River College were treated to an arts-and-science demonstration late last month courtesy of Water Corporation.

The cohort of 14 young Indigenous students from years 11 and 12 took part in a specialised science workshop from Water Corporation Education Officer Tanya Burnett teaching students about the importance of safe water usage, as well as an introduction to local botany.

Students made use of specialised miniature microscopes, analysing the minute qualities of various leaves from the Western Australian bush.

Following the science demonstration, the Deadly Sista Girlz welcomed Nerolie Bynder, a Badimia-Noongar-Yamatji artist who specialises in large-scale artworks in public spaces.

Nerolie led the students in a workshop to draw and design elements for an artwork for the Splash of Colour project.

Splash of Colour is Water Corp’s public art initiative. The project brings water infrastructure to life by emblazoning electrical pump stations, wastewater assets and other water structures with vibrant, colourful artworks designed by local creatives.

Students took inspiration from the world around them, depicting scenes of local flora and fauna, including frogs, birds and other critters from the south-eastern corridor.

These student artworks will then make their way into Nerolie’s final work at the Water Corp pumping station on Hume Road in Gosnells, which is due for completion by the end of June.

Southern River College is one of 18 schools across the country that hosts the Deadly Sista Girlz program. Students from all year levels in the high school take part in a specialised empowerment and wellbeing curriculum targeted at female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Activities include sports carnivals, health programs and art activities, all focused on empowering young Indigenous students to make informed choices about their well-being and education, while maintaining a connection to culture and identity.

Deadly Sista Girlz is an holistic education, empowerment and healthy lifestyle program for Indigenous girls operating in 18 schools across Australia.  Deadly Sista Girlz is supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with support from a wealth of corporate partners, including Water Corporation. Find out more.