Four dynamic workshops and a high-energy Build Week, all led by young people, have helped transform the busy Wright Street pedestrian crossing in Cloverdale—linking Belmont Hub, Belmont Forum and public transport—into a safer, brighter and more inviting space, thanks to the RAC Ignite program.
From October through December, The Y WA, RAC and the City of Belmont teamed up on this adventurous placemaking project, powered by the creativity of around 30 young people from Belmont and surrounding communities. Working with all relevant departments, a framework was developed for what could be done within the space, which then allowed young people to lead the project and maintain control over transforming the space.
A major spark behind the project was the creative mentoring of First Nations artist Harley Richards, a Noongar man living and working on Whadjuk Country. Growing up surrounded by his mother’s art practice, Harley developed a passion for expressing culture through storytelling, symbolism and bold visual design. With experience across canvas works, graphic design and large-scale murals, he was the perfect artist to guide and inspire the young team.
Harley said, “Working with all the young people on this project has been refreshing and it’s awesome to hear their ideas. It reminds me of how powerful creativity can be when people feel heard and included.”
Workshops in October set imaginations alight. Participants explored standout placemaking projects from towns such as Carnarvon and Port Hedland, before heading onsite to observe, sketch, and study what makes a truly ‘healthy street’. They wrapped up by brainstorming mural themes, artistic styles and even the local plants and fauna they wanted to represent in the final design.
Workshops in November took the group on a creative walk through Belmont, mapping significant local places. These explorations inspired the final mural concept, including kangaroo tracks guiding pedestrians toward the crosswalk.
Harley said, “The workshops were great, getting the kids hands-on with textas, designing and forming the tracks. I showed them past murals and symbols I’ve used, and how they connect back to places that matter in Belmont.”
Build Week from 24-28 November was a hive of activity, with young people rolling up their sleeves to bring the crosswalk to life including painting murals, decorating bollards and filling planter boxes. Brush by brush, they transformed Wright Street into a vibrant artwork reflecting community identity, culture and connection.
Harley added, “We also used circular motifs in the design to represent landmarks and meeting places, a symbol commonly used in Indigenous culture. These circles are spread throughout the mural and highlight the key places we mapped out together as a group.”
The project culminated in an official community launch, also planned by young people, on Saturday 6 December, in partnership with Belmont Forum, The Y WA, City of Belmont and RAC Ignite. The project received $12,500 in funding from RAC through the RAC Ignite program, with further support from the City of Belmont.