Inspired by the healing energy of Country, the new nature-space next to Perth Children’s Hospital incorporates traditional and contemporary cultural themes into its design. The name – Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja – was developed by Noongar cultural advisors, Soft Earth. In Noongar language, Waalbiirniny means ‘to heal’, Waabiny means ‘to play’ and Boodja means ‘on Country’. The upgraded greenspace provides much-needed respite for staff and patients – particularly frequent and long-term patients and families – as well as opportunities for play, learning and discovery.
Under the cultural advice of Barry McGuire and Carol Innes, Noongar stories and culture have been woven into the landscape design of the greenspace. There is a discovery path called Koodjal Noorn (two snakes), shelter pods respecting the six Nyoongar seasons, an “arbor experience,” referencing snake’s skin, with cultural associations to heath and regeneration, sculptures of animals with healing properties and a climbing net depicting a web of the trapdoor spider – an Aboriginal story connected to the King’s Park location.
Apparatus was appointed by CDI Group to undertake the planning, coordination, project management and contract management of the public art components of Greenspace Project. This included the discovery pathway, four animal sculptures, painting and etching of the six season shelter pod artworks and a timber screen painting. Apparatus worked with Noongar Artists Barry McGuire and Kamsani Bin Salleh who were commissioned to deliver the artworks.
“There are many ways by which we can respect, restore and recognise the healing energy of Country.”
Barry McGuire
