Published on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 at 1:39:30 PM
The vibrant new mural now proudly displayed on the Shire of Dardanup building is the work of local emerging artist Grace Janowicz, winner of the RCR NAIDOC Week Art Competition.
Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said Grace’s stunning mural design, titled Wanju, has transformed an external wall of the Shire’s Administration, Library and Community Building into a dynamic and meaningful celebration of place, people and culture.
Commissioned through a collaboration between RCR Mining Technologies, CheckMate Art Gallery in Bunbury and the Shire of Dardanup, the mural was brought to life during a week-long live painting session by Grace — who was selected as the winner from a pool of Noongar and non-Indigenous artists.
Cr Gardiner said the title of Grace’s piece, Wanju, which means “welcome” in Noongar language, resonates strongly with the Shire’s own commitment to welcome and inclusion.
“Grace’s mural stood out for its bold street-art style and thoughtful reflection of life in the Shire of Dardanup,” Cr Gardiner said.
“It beautifully captures an inclusive and accessible community, Aboriginal culture and connection to country, local sport and events, the Collie River, the Ferguson Valley, and the importance of the new library as a community hub.
“We’re incredibly proud to display this artwork that not only highlights the skills of a brilliant young local artist, but also acknowledges the importance of connection to culture, to community, and to one another.”
Grace said the project pushed them out of their comfort zone — but in the best possible way.
“This is my first large-scale wall painting. I usually work on realistic portraits, collages, and oil paintings that explore much darker or more macabre themes, so this was a big shift for me creatively,” Grace said.
Wanting to keep the process manageable, Grace avoided spray painting, something they hadn’t used before, and instead worked with bold, vibrant blocks of colour to bring their concept to life.
“When I look at the mural now, I see strong connections to community and country,” Grace said.
“There are so many different elements in the design. The figures are represented using traditional symbols for the people, and the river element flows like a path, leading to a central community gathering place. The Aboriginal flag is also an important focal point.”
Grace hopes the finished mural offers the community something that is both uplifting and meaningful.
“I wanted to create something bright and fun to look at, but also something that connects people to the cultural roots of the land,” Grace said.
Although Grace may now return their focus to more personal projects, they said the experience had been an exciting and rewarding challenge.
RCR Mining Technologies Manager Advanced Technologies Neville Kelly said RCR has held the yearly art competition in support of NAIDOC week for the past four years.
“As always this brings us together with our community and some incredibly creative and thoughtful people,” Mr Kelly said.
“It has been rewarding to see Grace’s artwork come to life as a mural on the new Shire of Dardanup building and see how excited and proud Grace is about their work and its message”.
To view Grace's progress captured over the week - check out this video:
Click here to view Grace's mural video
Caption: Checking out the stunning mural by artist Grace Janowicz (far right) are
(from left) Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner, RCR Mining Technologies
Manager Advanced Technologies Neville Kelly and CheckMate Bunbury Resident Artist
and Art Teacher Annie Labriola.
Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.
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