An array of public art has popped up in the Kelmscott Station Plaza and surrounding area in a nod to the nearby Darling Ranges, the local flora and fauna, and Noongar language and culture.

Patterned pavers, terrazzo sculptures and colourful metallic leaves installed in the Plaza and Davis Road underpass are brightening up the area and celebrating what is unique about Kelmscott as part of the METRONET Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal Project.

The vibrant aluminium leaves created by Peter and Miranda Farmer and Jason Hirst represent a sense of movement and connection to the natural environment and waterways that extend from the Darling Ranges. 

When driving past, the leaves offer a splash of shape and colour but when walking past, pedestrians will discover detailed engravings on each leaf of local plants, animals and the Noongar place name for Kelmscott—Goolamup—meaning ‘the place of the young men’. 

The large mandala-style pavers in the station plaza created by artist Margaret Dillon are stencilled with the Heart-Leaf Pea flower, gum leaves and fruit trees found around Kelmscott, with the patterns taken from doilies hand-crafted by local textile artists Mo Woltersdorf and Aggie K Azzam.  

Adding to this are 23 animal sculptures made from concrete and stone from the Darling Scarp. Playfully positioned on seating in the plaza, the sculptures create a family-friendly public space around Kelmscott Station.

The works are an example of how the METRONET Public Art Strategy is creating a distinctive identity for each project area, delivering enjoyable environments for local communities and creating opportunities for both emerging and established local artists.