Barwon Water to launch quirky display during Geelong Design Week

BARWON Water will this month unveil a new pop-up display aimed at educating the community about what happens when anything other than the “three P’s” – poo, pee and (toilet) paper – are flushed down the toilet.

The Pooseum of Modern (f)Art will be open to the community from 10am-2pm each day of Geelong Design Week, which will run from November 21 to November 30.

Barwon Water general manager of smart and sustainable infrastructure David Snadden said the free, family-friendly pop-up display is aimed at engaging the community about the realities of sewer blockages.

“When people flush items like wet wipes, tissues or rubbish, it causes blockages that can lead to sewage spills in streets, our homes and to our creeks and rivers,” he said.

“These blockages are costly and time-consuming to fix, and the spills are unpleasant for the community.”

Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in an art activity to build a giant ‘fatberg’, a rock-like mass of waste formed by the combination of fat, oil, grease and non-biodegradable solid materials like wet wipes.

“The fun doesn’t end with the fatberg, there’ll be lots of activities to enjoy, from games to story time to active play,” Mr Snadden said.

An installation designed by Melbourne-based artist Callum Preston is also set to make a reappearance, after its success at last month’s Geelong Show.

Placing Barwon Water’s wastewater system in the spotlight, the installation shows the journey water follows to be treated and highlights the beneficial uses of recycled water for non-drinking purposes.

The Pooseum of Modern (f)Art follows a large sewer blockage on Bellarine Street in April this year that occurred nearly 30m underground and was caused by a build-up of non-flushable wet wipes, fats, sanitary items and other rubbish.

Due to its size and the complexity of the incident, the “fatberg” took almost a fortnight to remove.

“We know that interactive and quirky activities appeal to community, so we are very excited to be activating at Geelong Design Week and taking our ‘Don’t Flush It’ campaign to the next level,” Mr Snadden said.

“We hope the Pooseum leaves a lasting impression and people take steps at home to prevent sewer blockages, as well as spreading the word to friends and family.

“To help with this, we’re excited to be giving away 2025 calendars for your toilet door, so that households have a timely reminder of best flushing practices.”

The Pooseum of Modern (f)Art will be located within Barwon Water’s Ryrie Street headquarters and can be reached via the site’s Aitchison Place entrance.

School bookings can be made by emailing [email protected]

Small groups and families do not need to book.