Our Mighty River

A community-informed public artwork transforming a park pathway into a permanent story of resilience, connection and place.

The brief

Designing a pathway that tells a community story

Following the 2022 Maribyrnong flood, Maribyrnong City Council commissioned a permanent public artwork for Coulson Gardens.

Working with Council, the local community and specialist fabricators, I developed a visual storytelling system that celebrates community resilience while encouraging visitors to explore the park and reconnect with the Maribyrnong River.

The artwork needed to work at a large scale, withstand outdoor conditions and become part of the landscape for years to come.

Community insight

Listening before designing

The artwork began with community voices.

Workshop feedback revealed recurring themes of connection, nature, hope and belonging. Rather than creating a single image, I developed a visual language that translated these stories into illustrations, typography and flowing pathways that visitors could discover as they walked.

The symbols draw on memories, values and experiences shared by the community.

Design system

Building a visual language

The pathway uses typography, illustration and movement to guide people through a sequence of stories.

Organic river forms connect each section, while local plants, wildlife and community activities create moments of discovery along the walk. Carefully selected colours distinguish different themes without overwhelming the natural environment.

The result is a flexible design system that works across more than 80 metres of pathway while feeling like one connected experience.

From digital artwork to concrete

Turning illustration into permanent public art

Once the artwork was approved, every element was prepared for large-scale steel stencils.

The pathway was precision sandblasted into the existing concrete before coloured accents were hand painted on site. Working closely with specialist fabricators ensured every illustration, letterform and line could withstand the production process while retaining the character of the original drawings.

The finished artwork

A pathway people can explore

The completed installation transforms an everyday park path into an interactive experience.

Visitors encounter stories of the flood, reflections on community, local wildlife and moments of optimism as they move through the landscape. The artwork encourages people to slow down, notice their surroundings and reconnect with the river that shaped the community.