A construction crane at the North Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant has been officially named the Pink Fluffy Unicorn following a creative contest involving local primary school students. The name, submitted by Indi Patterson, a student at Richmond North Public School, was revealed during a community event on November 27, 2023. The celebration brought together students, teachers, parents, project representatives, and local MP Robyn Preston to commemorate the occasion.
Over 45 attendees participated in the event at the Bells Line of Road site, where students wore bright pink high-visibility vests while touring the ongoing construction works. The gathering featured a formal welcome, an informative presentation on crane operations in large-scale infrastructure projects, and the unveiling of the official banner displaying the crane’s name.
Engaging Young Minds in Engineering
The naming competition, organized by Sydney Water and construction partner BMD, invited students from Grades 1 to 4 at Richmond North Public School to come up with imaginative names for the crane. The initiative aims to ignite interest in engineering and the vital infrastructure that supports regional growth.
Yiannis Stavreas, Operations Manager at BMD for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, emphasized the importance of such programs in engaging future generations. “These initiatives spark curiosity, highlight a range of careers in construction and engineering, and show students that infrastructure builds communities,” he stated. “With a national skills shortage in construction, it is essential to help children appreciate the creativity, teamwork, and purpose behind our work.”
More than 80 entries were submitted, with BMD and Sydney Water narrowing the list down to five finalists. Other notable names included Floyd Hugo River Luca, The Liftr, Gerald, and Constructor. Indi Patterson’s winning entry resonated with the project team, leading her to express, “Pink Fluffy Unicorn is very pretty and a good name for the crane. People will love it.”
A Symbol of Community and Infrastructure
Darren Hayward, Program Director at Sydney Water, remarked on the enthusiasm displayed by the students. He stated, “It’s fantastic to see young people taking an interest in how essential infrastructure is built and operated. This initiative reflects our partnership’s focus on engaging local communities.”
The Pink Fluffy Unicorn crane plays a crucial role in the 18-metre-deep wet-well excavation and will continue to support the Richmond System Wastewater Upgrade until its expected completion in 2026. Hayward noted that the project is a vital component of facilitating growth across the Hawkesbury region, reinforcing a sense of community ownership through such initiatives.
Thursday’s event offered families, media, and students a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s key infrastructure projects, along with opportunities for interviews and photographs with the newly named crane.
With a dash of creativity and input from the local youth, the Pink Fluffy Unicorn now stands not only as a significant construction asset but has also become a new local icon, representing both community spirit and the importance of infrastructure development.
