A West Perth street is abuzz following a bee-themed makeover designed to slow drivers and create a space for residents to connect more deeply with their neighbourhood.
Vibrant mural unveiled on Outram Street
Commuters travelling along Outram Street this week would have noticed a vibrant mural awash with flora and fauna inspired by the native bees and flowering landscapes of Kings Park. Labelled Forage, the mural forms part of West Perth Local’s Bee Scene Pedestrian Safety Project and was designed as a creative solution to improving pedestrian safety while perpetuating the street’s “bee scene” identity.
The eye-catching streetscape resides alongside a bee-themed parklet and native bee-friendly planter boxes that were introduced in a collective effort to become Australia’s first urban native bee village. Forage was delivered in collaboration with Town Team Movement, Main Roads WA, and WALGA through the Streets Alive program — driven by local volunteers and community members seeking real change on their streets.
Positive feedback from stakeholders
Unveiled on Saturday, West Perth Local chairman Natalie Bussau said the feedback from stakeholders has been positive, with pedestrians claiming the street already feels more “alive”. “Forage has done exactly what we hoped for — slowing people down, sparking conversation, and giving Outram Street a real sense of place,” Ms Bussau said. “It’s a great example of what’s possible when community organisations, artists and government partners work together at a local level.”
The well-connected thoroughfare was identified as a priority due to its proximity to West Perth Village and the pedestrian activity in the area, including Stanley College students.
Artist behind the concept
The concept was developed by prominent public artist Sioux Tempestt, whose extensive portfolio of large-scale, ground-based artworks includes recent collaboration with the City of South Perth and Public Transport Authority. “I’ve always believed that some of the most meaningful changes to a place happen at a grassroots level,” Tempesst said. “Having previously worked with the Town Teams, I understand the passion and commitment that local volunteers bring to shaping their neighbourhoods.”
Long-term impact on traffic safety
Conceived with a long-term outlook, the installation was designed to age in a way that sustains its charm while continuing to serve its intent to enhance traffic safety.
