Perth Airport in Western Australia, which sits on traditional lands of the Wadjak people of the Noongar nation and once formed part of their travelling networks, has installed Noongar language welcome signs adorned with Indigenous symbols to reflect the landscape and meaning of Wadjak Boodja and which light up to reflect the six seasons of the Noongar calendar.
Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, Kate Holsgrove said the signs give visitors a unique welcome and introduction to local Noongar culture.
“We know that visitors to Western Australia, particularly those who have travelled from overseas, want to experience our unique Indigenous culture,” she said.
“While we have Welcome to Country signage and acknowledgments in all our terminals, these new roadside signs will make a significant first impression on visitors as they head into Perth and beyond.”
Adding that the aim was to make the signs meaningful and respectful of Indigenous traditions and culture, Holsgrove added: “We’ve taken the time to listen to local Noongar people to hear their stories and understand what was important for them to be represented in the signs.”
The creative work of cultural consultants, Ash and Jayden and Noongar artist Jarni has been used to bring these stories to life, with inspiration from the elemental tones of the Noongar landscape, creating a natural palette with high contrast to ensure the signage compliments and do not compete with the surroundings.
The lighting structure supports the six seasons in Noongar culture and are represented as six vibrant colours. The circular form connects to different aspects in Noongar Culture representing connection and coming together of people and community, according to Ash and Jayden.
Holsgrove added: “As an airport connecting Western Australia to the rest of the world this has inspired us to showcase, celebrate and reflect the deep historical, cultural and spiritual ties that First Nations’ Australians have to this land and waterways.
“This commitment also led to us further modifying the design of Perth’s New Runway to ensure the Munday Swamp heritage site is protected and accessible for future generations of Noongar people.”
She also noted that Perth was the first airport in Australia to acknowledge Traditional Custodians of destinations across Australia by showing the Traditional Custodians name alongside the commonly used name of other ports at its domestic departure gates.
