Creative Spaces is proud to have partnered with Perth Airport to create a permanent cultural display in the Alpha building foyer, celebrating the Noongar people’s deep connection to the land.
In collaboration with archaeologists, anthropologists, and the Noongar advisory panel, we designed an installation that showcases ancient artefacts discovered on the airport estate. These stone tools and remnants of ancient trade routes tell the story of the Noongar people’s movement and resource use over 40,000 years.
The display centres on the theme of journeys, tracing Noongar pathways from the coast to the Scarp, particularly along the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River). Materials like blackbutt timber and textures inspired by sand and stone create a tactile, immersive experience, while vibrant colours drawn from local wildflowers reflect the richness of the Noongar landscape.
Cultural sensitivity was a priority throughout the design process, with ongoing consultation with the Noongar advisory panel to ensure the display truly reflects their stories. The installation also features imagery of significant post-colonial sites such as Allawah Grove and Munday Swamp, linking past and present.
This display not only celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of the Noongar people but also serves as an educational tool, raising awareness of their enduring connection to the land.
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Photos taken by Aaron Brown Photographer.
