Visitors to Western Australia's oldest wine region will likely sample brand new Indigenous art from an exciting female Noongar artist before embarking on various cultural and heritage tours in the Swan Valley.
The popular tourist destination, 25km from the Perth CBD, is renowned for its cultural, heritage and gourmet food experiences, particularly its 50-plus artisan wineries, breweries and distilleries, as well as local produce, art studios and markets.
But this week a new Welcome to Country mural at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre and its designer Chloe Calyon were the star attractions.
Ms Calyon had a particular focus for the centrepiece artwork at the visitor centre, which has enjoyed an influx of tourist and business activity since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The contemporary Noongar artist's mural, Kwobardak Boodja (Beautiful Country) won an open-call design competition by the City of Swan and WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council.
Those at the official unveiling of the beautiful artwork at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre – which included distinguished guests such as Culture and Arts minister David Templeman, Swan mayor Tanya Richardson and WAITOC CEO Robert Taylor - also got a taste of Indigenous food at the momentous occasion for Ms Calyon and her family, who also were there.
Ms Calyon said she was inspired by designs of some family members when she was younger.
"I grew up watching my loved ones - especially my father - painting," she said.
"Listening to stories and learning how to create stories has helped shape my style of art."
She wanted creativity and history to be focal points of her award-winning piece.
"I wanted to create something not only eye-catching but something people could read the background story to, and see how everything comes together to create a story," she said.
Aesthetic elements in Kwobardak Boodja include native plants found throughout the Darling Scarop – from grass trees to wattle and kangaroo paws.
The butterfly design in Ms Calyon's mural was chosen for its symbolic link to happiness.
"I would want people to feel happy and welcomed when they look at my design," she said.
"I hope when people walk into the Swan Valley Visitor Centre, my artwork is the first thing they see, and that they take the chance to read about the story behind it."
Mr Taylor congratulated Chloe on her achievement at an official unveiling ceremony at Swan Valley Visitor Centre and Guildford Town Hall.
"This mural is a vibrant celebration of Noongar cultural heritage," he said.
"It enhances our community and reminds us of the deep connections we share.
"We are proud to present this artwork as part of the JINA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, inspiring appreciation for our Aboriginal heritage and for all visitors to the Swan Valley to feel welcomed."
Also nestled among the vineyards and various attractions of the Valley is Aboriginal family-owned Maalinup, with features including an art gallery, Indigenous cultural activities and a showcase of original framed and unframed works predominantly by Indigenous artists.
A gift shop champions local Indigenous artists, selling their handpainted glassware, ceramics and woodware, while visitors can explore Maalinup's bush tucker garden and extensive array of native Australian foods, featuring herbs, spices and jams.
