Scienceworks’ Pumping Station and locations in Spotswood and Brooklyn are being featured as part of a public art project aimed at breaking down the stigma surrounding the city’s waste waterways.
Running until Friday, March 28, highlights of the Treatment III project include site-responsive art installations, film, sculpture, and performance works staged across locations along the historic Main Sewer Outfall pipeline stretching from Melbourne to Werribee.
Curated by Deakin University’s School of Communication and Creative Arts academics Professor David Cross and Associate Professor Cameron Bishop, this year marks the third iteration of the event following a brief pause during the onset of COVID-19.
Professor Cross said the plant’s history as a vital piece of Melbourne’s infrastructure was traditionally lost on the city’s inhabitants who took its day-to-day function for granted.
However, he said Treatment III aimed to challenge the stigma associated with the plant and celebrate surrounding communities.
“What many people don’t realise is the Western Treatment Plant is also one of the state’s most popular spots for birdwatching, with some birds migrating from as far away as Siberia to its wetlands. Treated water is also used on the region’s market gardens to grow fresh produce,” Professor Cross said.
Associate Professor Bishop said a music event staged at a 180-year-old water tower in the now abandoned town of Cocoroc would be a key attraction, with guests welcome to attend a speical Sunset to Sunrise showcase on Friday, April 21, from 5pm to 10pm, and Saturday, April 22, from 6.30am to 6pm at the Western Treatment Plant, with music, art and performances.
Melbourne Water will host sessions to demonstrate the wastewater testing process – including how they tested for COVID-19 during the pandemic.
This event will celebrate a day in the life of the plant by drawing attention to how wastewater technologies operate, their value to society, and how they contribute to public health.
The project is sponsored by Melbourne Water and held in partnership with Wyndham council and is supported by the Westgate Neighbourhood Fund, Hobsons council and Scienceworks.
Details: www.treatment3.org.au
