Image Credit: Suzanne Phillips 2025

Share your experience of the harmful algal bloom and help shape a proposed public artwork guided by the local community.

To inform the theme and location of the artwork, we’d love to hear:

• your experiences of the bloom
• what the bloom has meant for our coast, waterways and community
• where you think the artwork should be placed.

About the project

This project grew out of the community’s response to the harmful algal bloom, which has deeply affected our gulf waters and the people who live, work and spend time along the coast. Many in our community have found this experience distressing, and this project aims to create space for reflection, storytelling and healing through creativity.

The project, supported by a grant from the Government of South Australia, included a creative event which was held at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre featuring visual art, music, poetry, film, performances, light sculptures and community‑made artworks, as well as a poetry publication. Funding was also provided to create a new public artwork.

We are now inviting the community to help shape that artwork. This stage of the project is about listening to your experiences, ideas and insights so we can develop an artist brief that truly reflects our community. An artist or artist team will then be commissioned to develop a design with consultation from interested community – likely through a workshop – to create the final artwork.

What this engagement is about

• Sharing stories and experiences of how the harmful algal bloom has affected you.
• Exploring what this moment means for our coast, waterways and community.
• Helping decide the themes and possible locations for a new public artwork.
• Making sure the artwork reflects local voices, values and connection to place.

Why your input matters

• Your feedback will inform the artist brief.
• The artwork will become a lasting reminder of this moment in time.
• Community involvement will help create a sense of shared ownership and pride.
• The project celebrates public art as a way to tell stories, build connection and care for place.

This is an open and inclusive process, and we encourage everyone who feels connected to this place to take part and have their say below.

Engagement is open until 24 May 2026.

Other ways to share your feedback

In person drop-in sessions

Speak to a council officer at one of our drop-in sessions:

• Tuesday 12 May 10am - 12 noon, Aldinga Library, 11 Central Way, Alding Beach
• Thursday 14 May 5pm - 7pm, Seaford Library, 586 Grand Boulevard, Seaford

Phone

Speak to the Public Art Project Officer by calling 08 8384 0666.

Email or post

Email: mail@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Post:
Attention: Public Art Project Officer
City of Onkaparinga
PO Box 1
Noarlunga Centre SA 5168