Gunnedah Shire Council’s Rainbow Serpent water feature has been restored following an extensive refurbishment project.
The work was carried out by Waterforms International and included the restoration of 29 glass mosaic tiles individually designed and hand-crafted by nine women from the Kamilaroi Women’s Group: the late Ellen Draper, Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, the late Delma Jones, Gloria Foley, Cindy Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox and Rita Long.
The 500mm mosaics, featuring traditional motifs, totems and stories, are incorporated into the 9.2-metre Rainbow Serpent, a central figure in Kamilaroi Dreaming stories.
Located at the entrance to The Cultural Precinct, the west-facing water feature has been exposed to the elements for almost 20 years. The mosaics deteriorated over time after the artwork was installed in 2020.
The restoration was completed in four stages between March and May 2026. The project was funded through a $50,640 grant from the Office of Responsible Gambling’s ClubGRANTS Category 3 Fund (Arts & Culture), matched by Gunnedah Shire Council.
Council community and social planner Debra Hilton said the original artists were consulted before work began and supported the restoration.
“The painstaking task of restoring the tiles was carried out by Waterforms International stone mason specialists Dimitar and Svetlana Todorovski who worked tirelessly on site to bring the serpent back to life,” she said.
“The techniques the Todorovskis have used to adhere the tiles are more suited to outdoor projects and constant exposure to the elements and will reduce future issues associated with loose tiles.
“We thank Dimitar and Svetlana for their meticulous approach and relentless dedication to this significant project.”
Hilton said the Rainbow Serpent and lower pond were also drained, cleaned, resurfaced and recommissioned.
“We are thankful to Waterforms for taking on this major project and restoring the entire water feature to its former glory,” she said.
Waterforms director and designer Dirk Slotboom said the repaired mosaics remained faithful to the original artwork.
“To us, it’s a very special project,” he said.
The restored water feature was officially handed back to the community on 12 May.
Nine Kamilaroi women attended the event, including six of the original artists and Jackie and Fiona Draper, daughters of the late Ellen Draper.
Artist Gloria Foley said the group wanted to acknowledge Kamilaroi Elders Ellen Draper and Delma Jones, who died during the course of the project.
“All of us girls worked really hard. It was Aunt Ellen Draper that brought us together,” she said.
“It’s so much better than it was before.”
Council director community and development Andrew Johns said the community had a role in protecting the artwork.
“Over the years, the water feature has been regularly climbed on and the pond has been used as a dog pool, which accelerated its deterioration,” he said.
“We ask residents to respect this cultural icon for what it is and not treat it as street furniture, so we can continue to enjoy its vibrance and beauty for years to come.
“This award-winning artwork is a much-loved landmark, and we want to ensure it is preserved for future generations.”
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