When people think about a new commercial laundry facility, they often focus on the investment, technology and operational capability it will bring.
But at our new Wollongong project, another story is being told. One that reflects the landscape, culture and community of the Illawarra while acknowledging the Traditional Dharawal Lands on which the laundry is being built.
As construction continues the artwork created by Saltwater Dreamtime has become a meaningful part of the project’s journey. The artwork first appeared on the ceremonial shovels used during the Turning of the Soil ceremony, marking an important milestone in the development of the site.
A Journey Captured on Ceremonial Shovels
The artwork featured on the ceremonial shovels is part of a style the artist calls Travelling.
The design consists of a series of interconnected circular elements painted in white, flowing across the surface of each shovel. These connected circles symbolise the journey undertaken by the project partners as they work together to create the new facility.
The artwork represents movement, connection and shared purpose. It reflects the collaboration between the many people involved in the project and the collective effort required to bring the new site to life.
The colours chosen for the piece also tell a story. Shades of green reflect the Illawarra’s escarpment, trees and bushland, while the golden tones acknowledge the Traditional Dharawal Lands beneath our feet.
While the shovels were created for a single ceremonial moment, the artwork serves as a lasting reminder of the relationships, collaboration and commitment behind the project.
Continuing the Story
The story doesn’t end with the Turning of the Soil ceremony.
Saltwater Dreamtime has also created a second artwork that will feature on the facility’s future water tank. Inspired by the Illawarra landscape, the design reflects the region’s mountains, coastline and the connection between land, sea and community.
A rendered image of the artwork provides a glimpse of how the design will appear once installed, continuing the visual connection between the facility and the place it calls home.
Together, the shovel artwork and future water tank design create a shared narrative that celebrates the region, acknowledges Country and reflects the journey of bringing the facility to life.
More Than a Building
The new Wollongong commercial laundry represents a significant investment in the future of the region and our ability to support customers across the Illawarra and beyond.
While the laundry will deliver increased capacity, advanced automation and improved efficiency, projects like this are also about creating meaningful connections with the places and communities in which we operate.
The artwork created by Saltwater Dreamtime helps ensure that the story of the laundry extends beyond its physical infrastructure. It reflects the landscape, culture and community that make the Illawarra unique and acknowledges the Traditional Dharawal Lands on which the site is being built.
As we continue building for the future, we are proud to incorporate artwork that celebrates these connections and the stories they represent.
We thank Saltwater Dreamtime for helping bring these stories to life and for creating a lasting reminder that this project is about more than a building. It is about people, place and our commitment to the communities we are proud to serve.
Want to learn more about the project? Explore our Wollongong project page for updates, insights and the latest news on the new facility.
