Aspirations for a public artwork at the centre of Walyalup Koort have been supported with a $949,993 grant from Lotterywest.
The proposed piece, Kaarl Boyak Naariny (Fire is Burning on the Rocks), created by local Whadjuk Noongar artists Sharyn Egan and Simon Gilby, aims to be a striking and modern public artwork.
It seeks to honour and acknowledge the Noongar Nation, while fostering a sense of Noongar identity within Walyalup Koort, the civic core of Walyalup/Fremantle.
Rich in symbolism and thought-provoking elements, the artwork aims to enhance and challenge the urban colonial landscape it occupies. It will be situated between the heritage-listed St John's Anglican Church and the architecturally acclaimed Walyalup Civic Centre.
The vision for the artwork includes a collection of large stones arranged to represent the 14 Noongar Nations, a fire vessel, a field of illuminated stars, and a digital component that highlights narratives from Noongar culture.
Ms Egan said the work invites all 14 Noongar language clans to be represented in the heart of Walyalup.
"Our artistic vision will only be realised through considered consultation and validation by the entire Noongar Nation," she said.
"We are offering all the clans in the south-west of Western Australia an unprecedented truth telling opportunity by contributing their stories and stones from country.
"Walyalup Koort is a special meeting place of the past, present and future. This artwork will create a sense of belonging and pride for all people."
Mr Gilby said the artwork is designed as a welcoming act of cultural reassertion, speaking a language different to everything else in Walyalup.
"The artwork is an act of sovereignty and an 'acknowledgement of country'," he said.
"For the rest of the community (the one that I come from) I hope the artwork becomes a gentle 'reckoning ground', welcoming, uplifting and unsettling. An opportunity for us to recognise what we don't know and to begin to understand."
Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the City was extremely grateful to Lotterywest for making the artwork possible.
"The City of Fremantle sincerely thanks the Lotterywest Board for their support of this significant public artwork that will engage generations of people with the historical and ongoing cultural importance of Walyalup and the entire Noongar Nation," she said.
"This artwork, along with the City's proposed plans for public realm upgrades to support the project, continues the transformation of what was previously known as Kings Square, now Walyalup Koort.
"This artwork will be a permanent and powerful reminder that the land on which we live, work and play, is the traditional land of the Whadjuk people. It is a powerful expression of Fremantle's genuine commitment to respect and recognition."
Lotterywest chief executive Colin Smith said the support for the City of Fremantle will help showcase Aboriginal stories and culture through the influence of art.
"Lotterywest's grant will play a key role in forming cultural links between artists and Nyoongar language groups on country and around south-west WA," he said.
"Through this work, audiences will have the chance to preserve, share and respect WA's unique culture, history and knowledge."
The partnership between Mr Gilby and Ms Egan, both prominent contemporary artists from Western Australia, exemplifies the essence and objectives of the project.
The City of Fremantle plans to propose the required civil works to support the two-year project during the annual budget deliberations for the 2025/26 financial year.
