Menindee Fish Passage Tubes painted with traditional Barkindji Pattern, 2025
Finnish Fishheart technology is being trialled in Australia for the first time at Menindee, as part of a larger, multi-faceted approach to finding effective ways to prevent future mass fish-deaths in the Barka-Darling River. It is hoped that the Fishheart technology will assist fish in their migration between the Barka-Darling River and Lake Wetherill.
Following the Chief Scientist's report that was written after the tragic Menindee fish deaths in 2019/20 and 2023, it was recommended that a three year, experimental trial of this Fishheart technology be used to assist fish in their migration between the Barka-Darling River and the Lakes.
In March and April 2025 the fish passage pipes were painted by artists and dozens of community members, with fish shapes, hand-prints and a recently reclaimed Barkindji pattern, found on historic artifacts held by the British and Cambridge Museums.
Commissioned by NSW Department of Primary Industries, Department of Regional NSW in partnership with the University of Sydney.
Artists
Barbara Quayle, Cindy Bates, Carol Doyle, Darlene Newman, David Doyle, Holly McEwan, Payton Doyle, Sarah McEwan, Tannya Quayle, Vic McEwan, with contributions from many members of the Menindee community.
School Holiday Workshops in Menindee
22-25 January 2025
Menindee and Broken Hill
Join us to learn more about the proposed fish passage project and plan artworks to welcome the infrastructure into the landscape.
Artwork Development
12-18 March 2025
Menindee and Broken Hill
Working with local artists in Menindee and Broken Hill to further develop the artworks for the fish passages.
NSW Fisheries Community Day
Saturday 12 April
Menindee
Come see the new Fishheart fishway technology, have a BBQ, enjoy fishing activities with local volunteer Stan, explore the river with Barkindji River Rangers and paint on the fish passage pipes!
Community Day
20 September 2025
Lake Wetherell Outlet Regulator, Weir Rd, Menindee
10am to 3pm
Join us for a free community day to celebrate the launch of Year 2 of the temporary tube fishway trial. The day will include a free BBQ, behind-the-scenes demonstrations of the Fishheart control system, information stands about the project and the health of the Barka-Darling River, and a community art installation where visitors can help paint the pipes.
Public Programs
Commissioned by NSW Department of Primary Industries, Department of Regional NSW in partnership with the University of Sydney.