Stirling Square Yarning Circle Artwork

Guildford Historic Town, known traditionally as Mandoon by the Whadjuk Noongar people, is a place of deep cultural and spiritual importance. For generations, Stirling Square has served as a significant gathering site for Noongar communities—a place for storytelling, connection, and cultural continuity. To honour this rich heritage, the Yarning Circle artwork was created by artists Nic Compton and Sharyn Egan in close collaboration with Noongar Elders. Thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, the artwork features culturally meaningful elements such as Balga and Sheoak trees, which represent resilience, traditional knowledge, and a sense of comfort. Materials like granite, recycled jarrah timber, and red ochre finishes were carefully selected to reflect the natural tones and textures of Noongar Boodja (Country). Imagery engraved into concrete, timber, and stone—chosen through consultation with Elders—tells a visual story that honours Whadjuk culture and presence. Together, these elements form a peaceful and inclusive space—one that invites reflection, fosters understanding, and keeps Noongar stories and connection to Country at the heart of Guildford.