‘Kaya’ to Australind visitors

Visitors to Australind will be welcomed with artwork which reflects the diverse landscape and people of the area following a decision by Harvey Shire Council.

Australind artists Alex and Nicole Mickle were selected to create Australind entry statements as well as a main artwork at the Ridley Place foreshore.

The Safehaven Studio founders have completed numerous other public artworks around the State, including the 5.5m-tall Wardandi Boodja sculpture on the Koombana Bay foreshore.

The Australind entry signs will be installed at the main entries from Forrest Highway in the hope of encouraging visitors to explore what Australind has to offer.

The entry statement signage includes the word Kaya, which is the Noongar word for hello.

The main artwork is a multi-layered circular design aimed at becoming a feature piece and point of conversation in the community.

The palatinate-aluminium sculpture represents the rippling sand and water of the estuary, as well as the settler and Aboriginal heritage of the town.

“It captures the elements of the Leschenault Estuary so well,” Harvey shire president Tania Jackson said.

“With the play of the light when the sun goes down, I think it is going to be a beautiful piece of art for people to enjoy. I’m really glad our selection process has made it possible to secure these amazing local artists.”

Funds from the shire’s 2019/20 budget have been carried forward to enable the project to be completed.

Once complete, the main artwork at Ridely Place will be installed by a structural engineer and the the entry statements will comply with Main Roads WA requirements.