Kandanga pool

A Vibrant Welcome to the Community

Services Provided:
Custom Indigenous Art | Indigenous Consulting | Community Engagement

HOW WE HELPED:

The Kandanga Pool is a cherished part of the local community, and this project provided an opportunity to enhance its significance through visual storytelling. Over six months, we worked collaboratively with the Gympie Regional Council, Kandanga Swimming Club, and community members to create a large-scale Indigenous artwork that celebrates the region’s unique landscapes and culture. From community engagement and consultation to final design and installation, every step ensured the artwork was not just visually stunning but deeply meaningful to the people of Kandanga.

indigenous art

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community engagement

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indigenous consulting

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indigenous art ✹ community engagement ✹ indigenous consulting ✹

Kandanga Pool Project: A Vibrant Welcome to the Community

Discover how Smyth Studio collaborated with the Kandanga community, Gympie Regional Council, and the Kandanga Swimming Club to create a striking 22-meter-long artwork that transforms the town’s pool into a cultural and visual landmark.

Client Overview

The Kandanga Pool is a vital community hub in the Mary Valley region, providing a space for recreation, swimming lessons, and social gatherings. Following extensive flood recovery efforts, the Gympie Regional Council sought to not only restore the facility but also enhance its visual appeal, making it a standout feature in the town.

  • As part of the broader pool renovations, Gympie Regional Council aimed to create a large-scale public artwork that would celebrate Kandanga’s natural environment and Indigenous heritage. The artwork needed to:

    • Reflect the unique flora and fauna of the region, including the Mary River Turtle and Lungfish.

    • Incorporate community input to ensure local identity and pride.

    • Be visually striking, wrapping the entire pool perimeter to create an immersive experience.

    • Be printed on durable pool fencing material while maintaining vibrant full-colour detail.

  • Community Engagement: Conducted multiple rounds of community consultation, gathering insights and feedback to ensure the design resonated with locals.

    Artwork Concept & Design: Created a vibrant, large-scale Indigenous artwork that weaves together elements of Kandanga’s landscape, waterways, and cultural heritage. The flowing patterns and intricate details celebrate the connection between people, water, and country.

    Collaboration: Worked closely with the Gympie Regional Council, Kandanga Swimming Club, and community groups to refine the design, ensuring it reflected local identity and aspirations.

    Final Installation: The completed artwork was printed on high-quality, weather-resistant pool fencing material, spanning an impressive 22 meters in width and 2 meters in height. Positioned at the entrance to town, the design now serves as a welcoming landmark for visitors and a point of pride for the community.

  • The Kandanga Pool artwork became the centrepiece of the pool’s transformation, drawing widespread attention from both locals and visitors. The project successfully:

    • Elevated the visual identity of the pool, making it a striking feature upon entering town.

    • Strengthened community pride by incorporating local voices and cultural storytelling into the final design.

    • Created a lasting public art installation that reflects the beauty and significance of the Mary Valley region.