Shakira Winmar, local artist and Angeleen Jenkins, Chair, Central Highlands Water
In collaboration with the Ballarat Miners, Central Highlands Water have launched an all new First Nations water bottle ahead of the 2026 Ballarat Begonia Festival.
Designed by Noongar Traditional Custodian Shakira Winmar, the design represents ‘Our Country – honouring Wadawurrung Country, where waters, ancestors and all living beings move as one, carrying a connection that lives beyond time and guides all who walk upon it.’
Incorporating a cultural connection to country, passed through generations, honouring all living beings and reminding us to respect, acknowledge, and care for the land we walk on. The design features Lal Lal Falls, Parwan (magpies), Munuwarra (black swans), the Mullawallah Wetlands, and the Yarrowee River, all located on Wadawurrung Country.
The Ballarat Miners will feature this design on the team’s basketball uniforms as part of NAIDOC Week and the NBL1’s First Nations Round during the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
This new bottle is part of the Choose Tap water bottle campaign, encouraging the community to avoid single-use plastic water bottles by choosing a reusable water bottle for the environment and a more sustainable future.
This limited edition First Nations bottle along with the recently launched ‘Down the Yarrowee’ bottles, will be available for purchase at the Ballarat Begonia Festival over the Labour Day long weekend from 7-9 March 2026. 100% of proceeds from sales will be donated to our community bottle partner, CAFS’ (Child and Family Services) and their Thread Together Program.
