This mural tells a story of life within this Whadjuk Nyoongar Boodjar referring to maps that are more than forty thousand year’s old. It marks the lakes and swamps along part of the ancient Yobar pathway extending through the boodja (land) between Yanchep and Joondalup and extending further south. 

The map was made by my ancestors being the Yobourur and Mooro people’s of the Whadjuk Nyoongar Nation, who have long cared for this land, and sourced their food and water here, including during the Autumn (Djeran season April – May) and during early Spring (Djilba season August – September).

The Yagan (Long Neck Turtle) symbolises a Gabbi (Freshwater) food source in these wet lands and water ways.

The Yobourur and Mooro people provided the Whadjuk Nyoongar names for the lakes in these areas. Yellagonga being the leader of the Mooro Family Clan and also the strong leader of the greater Whadjuk Nyoongar Nation, including the other Family Clans in 1829 at the time of British settlement. Yellagonga and his Mooro Family Clan people are honoured now in the naming of the Yellagonga Regional Park.

Our mural represents the traditional bidi (tracks) that have been recognised historically by Whadjuk Nyoongar Elders. They are currently enjoyed by visitors and community members living near the Yellagonga Regional Park. 

Visitors can be delighted with the Ngoorlak (Carnaby’s or White-tailed Black Cockatoo) at the beginning of the walk, and seeing the Yobourur and Mooro Whadjuk Nyoongar’ fauna and flora, eventually resulting in the sighting of the Nyeerimba (Goolilal or Pelican – large bird) and rewarded with a view of the Indian Ocean.

Nathan Corunna – Lead Artist