The City of Stirling has officially completed a $1 million transformation of Mirrabooka Town Square, now known as Mirrabooka Koort - the Heart of Mirrabooka, with a community celebration scheduled for this weekend.
Community-Led Transformation
After eighteen months of extensive community consultation and seven months of construction work that began in April 2025, the revitalised town square now boasts significant upgrades including new seating areas, colourful shade sails, an engaging playground, and native Australian trees and plants.
The project, built by Nyoongar-owned construction company Kardan, also features upgraded lighting throughout the area and an attractive alfresco wooden deck connected to the new Dome Café, creating vibrant community gathering spaces.
Indigenous Leadership and Employment
Kardan Construction's involvement brought meaningful opportunities for local Indigenous Australians, with the company actively engaging with community members throughout the project. Frank Mitchell, Managing Director of Kardan Construction, highlighted the project's social impact.
"Engaging with local mob in Mirrabooka and ensuring they had a voice in the project has given them genuine pride in the result," Mr Mitchell said. "Two of the mob we met on-site are now employed with us and working on our Fraser Suites refurbishment project in East Perth."
A Kardan spokesperson emphasised the significance of the approach, noting: "For once, mob felt the square was built for them, not against them."
Artistic and Cultural Elements
The upgraded square features substantial public art components that reflect Mirrabooka's multicultural community. Thirty street bollards display vibrant designs painted by artists Marisa Santosa and Iwan Isnin, with inspiration drawn from local Boyare Primary School students.
Perth artist Dan Iley contributed three intricate wood carvings depicting native Australian animals and plants, designed to encourage discovery and play among younger visitors.
Completing the artistic elements, printed shade sails featuring designs by local Nyoongar-Yamatji artist Emily Rose were installed this week, symbolising the deep connection between country, community, and culture.
Official Opening Celebration
Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin has encouraged all residents to experience the completed project, describing it as "full of colour, culture, and collaboration."
"The level of community involvement in this project, including the incredible efforts of Kardan Construction, is something worth celebrating," Mayor Irwin stated.
The official community celebration for Mirrabooka Koort will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10am to 1pm, featuring live acoustic music, traditional didgeridoo performances, appearances by Perth Glory players, interactive art workshops, food stalls, games, and various giveaways.
Mayor Irwin confirmed he will join council members, the project team, and community representatives to officially open the revitalised town square, marking another step in the ongoing work to rejuvenate the heart of Mirrabooka.
