Freshwater to Fatbergs
Newcastle Art Space

Freshwater to Fatbergs

EXHIBITING ARTISTS Aaron Basei Alexandra Tanner Andrew Styan Anne Gorton Catherine Hickson Cheryl Watson Christine Deards Chris Byrnes Claus Bredow Conor Fox Delores Foxtonfinn Diana Boyd and Dianna Kellerman Edwina Richards Emelie Clarke Fran Loudon Fiona Lee Hari Ho Ileigh Hellier Isabel Gomez John Spyrakis Jonathan Osmond Joseph Johnson Judith Flowers Julia Francis Leslie Duffin Libby Cusick Lisa Ellen Hughes Madeleine Snow Mahafuj Ali Mahalia Leckner MaidenK Marc Renshaw Maybelline Green Michael Weston Michela Ciulla Moj Habibi Otto van de Wijgaart Pamela See (Xue Mei-Ling) Paul Foley Penny Lee Pete Parslow Rachel Enright Rebecca Brissenden Rebecca Griffiths Ron Adams Ronald Araña Atilano Samantha Walsh Sigrid Dyrting Simon Pilla Stephanie Vella Sue Strickland Suzie Bailey Tara Jones The Wahroonga Collaboration, Raymond Terrace Tim Nash Todd Fuller Zoë Roxburgh
May 9, 2026 – May 31, 2026

This exhibition presents documentation of the former Tomago Treatment Delivery Station, opened by the then Premier Robert Askin in September 1965. In 2025, artists Todd Fuller, Edwina Richards, and Isabel Gomez, alongside curator Madeleine K. Snow, visited the soon-to-be-demolished site with Hunter Water scientist Rhys Blackmore. The group also toured the broader Hunter Water facilities, including the heritage-listed Spray Basins built c.1939.
In addition artists were invited to respond to themes of freshwater, catchments, wastewater, and possible water futures. The term “fatbergs” was used provocatively to challenge both artists and audiences to reconsider water use and conservation.
The exhibition also centres on freshwater, reflected in the visit to the evolving Hunter Water site at Tomago—“sweet water” in the Worrimi language—highlighting both the cultural and environmental significance of water in the region.
Supported by Hunter Water

Newcastle Art Space
0490 801 630
91 Chinchen St, Islington NSW 2296
Wed–Fri 10:00–14:00; Sat–Sun 12:00–16:00 (during exhibitions)
Freshwater to Fatbergs — Newcastle Art Space
Freshwater to Fatbergs — Newcastle Art Space
Freshwater to Fatbergs — Newcastle Art Space
Freshwater to Fatbergs — Newcastle Art Space
Freshwater to Fatbergs — Newcastle Art Space

Acknowledgment of Country
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Awabakal People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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