Esperance’s newest tourist attraction crafted by local Aboriginal group

An Esperance Aboriginal corporation has crafted the town’s newest tourist attraction to brighten up and increase foot traffic at the coastal destination.

The Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry previously proposed a new artwork to donate to the Shire of Esperance as part of its activation program to boost local spending following a downturn in retail sales and CBD visitation.

Not-for-profit Indigenous group Mudjar Aboriginal Corporation was selected to design and hand-paint the piece, which chamber executive officer Jennifer Obourne said was to incorporate Australian culture while providing a unique opportunity for artists.

“We could have asked anybody to paint it, but if it’s going to be a tourism piece, why not be a cultural tourism piece and acknowledge our shared history?” she said.

“It was a way to get young Aboriginal artists involved in the art scene to give them an opportunity and showcase the variety of skills that we’ve got in Esperance.”

The completed piece, which took two months to craft, is named Mamang Dreaming and was inspired by cultural stories passed down through generations reflecting Aboriginal people’s deep connection to the ocean.

Group members Robert and Bobbi Woods built the piece, while Talisia Bourne and Robert hand-painted it.

Ms Obourne said the structure was designed to be an easily transportable photo backdrop for the shire to showcase at a range of local events, which she believed would deliver the best tourism outcomes to the town.

“It’s something to look at, it’s something to take a photo of,” she said.

“You don’t have to go out on to the rocks and take a dangerous photo, you can sit in the CBD with your coffee and take a great photo.

“When the cruise ships come, if we make it a warm and welcoming environment for them, they will get off the ship and come into town.”

The donation of the artwork was accepted and approved by Esperance councillors at last month’s recent meeting, and will be launched for viewing at the business and industry forum Converge Esperance 2025 on August 1.

After the launch, the artwork will be in the CBD’s post office square for people to visit and photograph,