Published on Monday, 22 December 2025 at 10:57:48 AM
MEDIA RELEASE
New Public Artwork Celebrates Noongar Art on Smith Street
The Shire of Narrogin is pleased to announce the completion of a new mural at the Smith Street public toilet block, delivering a vibrant and culturally significant artwork that celebrates Noongar heritage, storytelling and the natural landscapes of the Narrogin region.
The mural has been led and delivered by respected Wiilman custodian and mural artist, Ross Storey, with support from practising artist Ned Crossley. The project forms part of the Shire’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public spaces through meaningful, place-based public art that reflects local identity, culture, history and connection to Country.
The artwork draws inspiration from the Carrolup art tradition, a distinctive Noongar painting style recognised for its strong narrative qualities and deep cultural significance. Ross’s Mother was born at Carrolup mission, and he maintains the Carrolup legacy, while contemporising the style through an expanded colour palette and modern visual language.
“This mural also has significant meaning through my connection to my grandmother’s country around Yilliminning Rock and the Marramucking area.” said Ross. “And it presents landscapes significant to the local community as well.”
While depicting the agricultural environment, the mural also honours the cultural knowledge of the Noongar people of the Narrogin region, encouraging reflection on Country, continuity and change.
“Ross leads me to a deeper understanding of the way the Carrolup style conveys the story of Country and feeling through the use of colour,” said Ned.
Covering the west, south and east walls of the Smith Street toilet block, the mural has been completed with an anti-graffiti coating to ensure durability and longevity. Finished in December 2025, the project represents a lasting contribution to Narrogin’s streetscape and reinforces the role of public art in strengthening community identity and sense of place.
“The Shire of Narrogin sincerely thanks the artists for their professionalism and cultural leadership, and for delivering a high-quality public artwork that respectfully acknowledges Noongar art and culture while enhancing a key community facility,” said Shire President Leigh Ballard.
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Further information on this media release may be obtained by Regina Razumovskaya, cedc@narrogin.wa.gov.au or telephone 08 9890 0900.
Approved by:
Dale Stewart
Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Narrogin
PO Box 1145
Narrogin WA 6312
Email: enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au
Ross Storey (left) pictured with Ned Crossley (right).
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