New sign unveiled in Samson Park

A sign depicting and describing the Nyoongar six seasons has been unveiled at Samson Park.

The Friends of Samson Park volunteer group first suggested the installation of a sign about the historical and cultural significance of Nyoongar people in the Samson Park area.

With that in mind, the City of Fremantle consulted Nyoongar Elder Freda Ogilvie who shared the Nyoongar Bird Story, which is the story of how the Magpie (Koolbardi), Crow (Wardong), and Willie Wagtail (Djiti-Djiti) got their colours.

Freda went on to explain how each of the Nyoongar six seasons (Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang) affects the flora and fauna found within the park.

City officers embraced the concept and invited the year six students from Samson Park Primary School to create an artwork for each season.

The students gathered in the park and were given paper and coloured pens to draw their interpretation of each season from Freda's description.

The sign is located at the bush node on the corner of Sellenger Avenue and McCombe Avenue.

Newly installed log seating beside the sign provides a natural space for the community to sit and enjoy nature and the students to learn about local flora and fauna.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the sign is a welcome addition.

"Samson Park is the most significant bush reserve in Fremantle. Its winding nature trails are teeming with wildlife all year round and this sign gives context to the visitor experience.

"Thank you to everyone involved in this project and thank you to the Friends of Samson Park for their ongoing love and enthusiasm for this unique piece of bushland," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

For further information on the creation of the signage.

Above image L-R: Samson Primary School Principal Rhonda Spencer (seated), Cr Ben Lawver, Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge and Nyoongar Elder Freda Ogilvie (seated) with Samson Park Primary School students and Friends of Samson Park representatives.