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LiddellWORKS Opening – Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre

by Rob Cooper

(Adapted from a speech delivered at the LiddellWORKS official opening, 8 June 2024)

Anna Rankmore, untitled 2023, digital print.

‘William Street’ by one of Australia’s leading 20th century poets Kenneth Slessor, dramatically colours the confronting sights, smells, sounds and textures of William Street, Sydney in the 1930s.

Affronts to the senses for some but enticing and beautiful to Slessor.

The red globe of light, the liquor green,
the pulsing arrows and the running fire
spilt on the stones, go deeper than a stream
You find this ugly, I find it lovely

Smells rich and rasping, smoke and fat and fish
and puffs of paraffin that crimp the nose
of grease that blesses onions with a hiss
You find it ugly, I find it lovely

A response perhaps, not unlike first entering Liddell Power Station.

Mark Brown, Torrent Glitch 2024, single-channel video, colour, sound (stereo), 1 hr 10 min 53 sec, aspect ratio 16:9.

The sights and sounds of Liddell could be confronting, even ugly to some. The dark and dusty alley ways, the rattly windows, the temperamental lifts.

But Liddell could find a way of getting into your heart and soul. Liddell and particularly Liddell people, embrace you and do not let you go. The history and memories of 50 plus years become yours.

As Liddell’s closure loomed, amidst considerable public and political debate, the priority for employees was that the history, memories, pride, the Liddell legacy in all its complexity, would be captured and honoured.

50 years of hard work, jobs for thousands, the good and bad times, challenging and funny times, electricity generated for millions of NSW homes, families and businesses.

All this and more should be remembered.

Todd Fuller, Work Force (install detail) 2023, mixed media on canvas, 72 x 57cm.

Former Liddell operator Dr Ken Thornton penned a wonderful history of Liddell, employees from years passed were welcomed back to site for one last tour. Treasured photos and technical documents were salvaged, even old uniforms from decades ago resurfaced, and a reunion was attended by over 1000 Liddell people.

All this to proudly remember Liddell, support employees, honour their contribution, and thank a wonderful local community for support over 50 years.

Then an unexpected email from John O’Brien and Arts Upper Hunter, a year from Liddell’s closure. The catalyst for a unique opportunity that would complete the celebration. John’s vision, enthusiasm and drive was infectious.

LiddellWORKS was born, and with support from the NSW Government, became a significant and much-loved part of the Liddell closure program. Liddell owes great thanks to the Arts Upper Hunter team, and the sixteen inspiring LiddellWORKS artists in residence.

What better way to immortalise Liddell then through the eyes and hands, creativity and brilliance of people driven to reflect, provoke, challenge and interpret the world.

Fiona Lee, Artefacts of an Uncertain Future (LD359-623) 2024, salvaged automotive and electrical parts, recycled steel, Liddell fly ash and coal concrete, 49 x 36 x 38cm.

The work is bold and beautiful, challenging and real. It captures and elevates the whole Liddell story, a lasting record and a unique pathway to explore memories.

Thank you to the artists for your work, and particularly for the sensitive and respectful way in which you worked with Liddell people as they navigated the final days of the workplace they loved.

Your names have now joined theirs in the history of Liddell.

Rob Cooper, Senior Manager Corporate Affairs, AGL Macquarie

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