Published December 2023
Boodja Koondarminy
A Dreaming Story on the Walls of Busselton
A long-held vision is coming to life in the heart of Busselton. Stretching along the 70-metre laneway between Kent Street and Duchess Street, a powerful new public artwork is set to transform a blank wall behind Woolworths into a visual celebration of Aboriginal culture, connection, and country.
The mural, titled Boodja Koondarminy – Country Dreaming, has been three years in the making. Developed by Building Busselton Town Team in close partnership with local Aboriginal artists and Elders, this project is more than paint on bricks — it’s a story passed down, now shared with the whole community.
A Story from Country
Led by cultural advisor Thelma Harris, the mural has been designed by artists Melanie Hume, India Armstrong, and Stefan Calyon, with street artist Samuel Allen offering creative support as the work progresses.
“This artwork is a tribute to our culture and acknowledges our connection to this land for thousands of years,” said Ms Harris.
“It will be educational to all people of the community, and we’re really proud it’s been achieved through a local group like Building Busselton.”
The mural draws from community feedback collected over the past three years — including from Elders, families and local school children. It illustrates bush foods, animals, and Dreamtime stories across the land and sea. Adult footprints leading children across ancestral lands tell the story of traditional learning and cultural continuity. Golden brown circles represent meeting places from the Tuart Forest to Yallingup.
A Place for Everyone
In a beautiful gesture of inclusion, the artwork will also feature a community component. Aboriginal families — and the broader community — will be invited to leave their handprints on the mural, symbolising connection, respect and unity.
Details about this community art activation will be shared soon — follow us on socials to be part of it.
A Collective Effort
This landmark project has been made possible with funding and support from:
- Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (Community Participation and Inclusion Grant)
- Lotterywest
- Doral
- Plico
- Woolworths staff
- Rio Tinto
- Cape Insurance Services
- And the City of Busselton, who have supported the project in-kind throughout.
This mural will be one of the largest cultural artworks in the City centre, adding both beauty and depth to our urban landscape — and offering all who pass by the chance to reflect on Country, culture, and community.
We can’t wait to share the finished artwork with you — and we hope you’ll leave your mark too.