Integrating Aboriginal history on Tonkin Gap

• Advice from Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owners resulted in the creation of new riverside interpretive nodes
• Artwork by local Noongar artists features in key underpasses
• Redcliffe Bridge renamed to Mooro-Beeloo Bridge.

Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owners were part of Tonkin Gap Project's Whadjuk Working Group and provided important advice and direction on many different aspects of the project.

Prior to construction, Traditional Owners identified significant cultural heritage sites including important scar trees and the relationship of the area with the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).

This input was an integral part of the project and resulted in a riverside interpretation node, with signage acknowledging the sites and a bench for passersby and visitors to use and reflect on past usage and significance of the area. This is part of a River Journeys project, within Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, focused on developing interpretive nodes.

The group also recommended and supported the new name for the Redcliffe Bridge, now known as the Mooro-Beeloo Bridge. The new name acknowledges the two Noongar groups who lived on either side of the Derbarl Yerrigan. The northern side of the river, in Bayswater, is Mooro Country while the southern side, in Belmont, is Beeloo Country.

Artwork by local Noongar artists is featured in key pedestrian underpasses built during the project. Great Eastern Highway underpass is brought to life by Korrine Bennell-Yarran and Dellas Bennell, from Karrak Designs, with colourful artwork representing the six Noongar seasons. Bold colours highlight the uniqueness of each season, while the linework represents the Bidi (pathways) people travelled and animals in the area.

Further north, artwork at two Guildford Road underpasses are by artists Peter Farmer Junior and Kayley Emery.

Artwork on the southern underpass focuses on longneck turtles (Boyi) while artwork on the northern underpass focuses on the black swan (Maali), which represents strength of family and community in Noongar culture.

Peter Farmer Junior shares the Noongar belief that Boyi in a section of a river indicates it is healthy, filled with life and a strong spirit.

Main Roads Principal Project Director Rob Arnott said “Recognition, respect and inclusion of all cultures was an important focus for the Tonkin Gap Project team.” He said, “the Working Group was generous in sharing their personal and family stories and ties that now can be enjoyed through a heritage trail along the new and upgraded principal shared path of the project.”