19/9/03
The importance of the Canning River and its surrounds to Nyoongar people and the larger Aboriginal community has been recognised with the naming of the new Canning River twin bridges in Langford as 'Djarlgarra'.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan officially named the bridges as part of the 'closing out' of Roe Highway Stages 4 and 5.
Ms MacTiernan said the name was selected following an extensive consultation process with Government, Aboriginal communities and local community representatives.
"One of the key aspects of the success of the Roe Highway project has been working collaboratively with different groups, and particularly the Aboriginal community," she said.
"Representatives from Government, the Metropolitan Nyoongar Council of Elders and City of Gosnells worked together on a Bridge Naming Committee and consulted with respective Aboriginal communities and local residents to choose a name that would reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the Roe Highway landscape.
"Djarlgarra is the traditional Nyoongar name for the Canning River, and today's naming acknowledges the great importance of the river and its surrounds to the Nyoongar people and the Aboriginal community as a whole.
"It is also a reflection of the meeting of Aboriginal and European cultures as the general area is where Europeans first chose to settle in 1829."
The project's Public Art Program was also commemorated at the naming event, with Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale launching a public art brochure.
The Public Art Program has seen Aboriginal art created to depict local Aboriginal heritage, history and culture.
"The Main Roads public art program presents numerous sculptures, interpretive signage and other pieces along the length of stages 4 and 5 of the Roe Highway extension," Ms McHale said.
"This represents a fine example of the Government's ongoing commitment to community participation and public art and is a notable element of the project.
"The public art brochure documents this cultural project which expresses and interprets the Aboriginal and European heritage of the area.
"This art program represents a collaborative effort between different groups and is an innovative approach to integrating transport infrastructure with local environments."
Minister MacTiernan's office: 9213 6400
Minister McHale's office: 9213 6900
