Local artwork honours Noongar country at Stockland Vale community
A 5.5 metre sculpture takes pride of place at Stockland’s Vale community paying homage to the Whadjuk Noongar country, which is significant to the Noongar people of whom generations once camped, hunted for food and resided in the surrounding area.
Vale and the land which surrounds it, is set amongst the Ellen Brook catchment within Whadjuk Noongar country, and to honour this connection an “Old Tree” sculpture, created by local Whadjuk artist Kylie Graham, in collaboration with art fabricator Albert DeBoer, has been installed at Vale’s Aviary Creek parkland.
Inspired by her own Noongar heritage, Ms Graham’s sculpture centres around an old tree and links to the park land via six birds perching on the tree’s branches.
Each bird represents one of the six Noongar seasons Djeran, Makaru and Djilba (the cooler seasons) and Kambarang, Birak and Bunuru (the warmer seasons).
Col Dutton, General Manager for Stockland WA, said the striking artwork, which is set alongside Aviary Creek’s waterways, is a wonderful way to honour the generations who first inhabited the area.
“We encourage Vale residents and people who live in the nearby area to visit this amazing piece of artwork and have a look at the interpretative information signage positioned clockwise around the park that explains the significance of the sculpture, as well as providing more detail about the Noongar seasons,” Mr Dutton said.
“The artwork was officially unveiled on August 23, where we were honoured to have Kylie and Stockland Development Manager Melissa Ross in attendance.”
Ms Graham has worked on the sculpture since April 2018 and it is the tallest piece of work she has ever created.
The tree has been constructed from corten steel, while the birds are comprised of powder coated stainless steel.
“The public is encouraged to follow the trail to learn about each Noongar season and the bird’s activity in that particular season, which also explains the circle of life,” Ms Graham said.
“The activity of nature, flora and fauna are helpful indicators of seasonal changes.
“As you follow the path around the park you will come across each season.”
Ms Graham said she was happy to help the wider community learn about Noongar culture through connecting with her art.
“This sculpture also gives awareness that we need to look after the environment for our wildlife to thrive,” Ms Graham said.
Aviary Creek is the newest park at Vale in Aveley, and is a $3 million multi-generational space featuring two natural lake systems, an array of footpaths and boardwalks along the water’s edge in addition to barbecues, shelters and a zen zone.
Vale is an award-winning masterplanned community located 21 kilometres from Perth’s CBD.
For more information about Vale, visit www.stockland.com.au/valewa
or visit the Stockland Sale and information Centre at 84 Egerton Drive in Aveley, or call 13 LAND (13 5263).