Banksia Nut (Banksia Grandis)

The Banksia Nut carries deep cultural significance for Noongar people, symbolising fire, survival, and the passing of knowledge.

The Banksia Nut signifies fire and all it provides.  After the end of the blossom cycle, Noongar people would use the seed pod for fire and carrying coals when moving to a new area.  Often one of the young boys would be given the great responsibility of carrying the smouldering banksia nut from one campsite to another to enable fire for warmth and cooking.

This artwork is located on a site now owned and operated by Aspen Group and has been designed to light up at night, honouring the enduring glow of the banksia nut and its role in sustaining life and community.

Chris Collard is a Noongar artist from the Wardandi and Wiilmen clans. He was born in Pingelly, which is Wiilmen country and grew up on Wardandi country – the Burekup and Waterloo town sites, then later moved to Bunbury, which is home to his mother’s family. Chris has been painting for many years, primarily landscapes, animals and camping areas, based on places that are important to him, places he has lived or visited in the Wardandi Wiilmen region of Noongar country.

This artwork was originally commissioned by Albemarle Australia and was facilitated by FORM building a state of creativity, design assist and fabrication by Big Spoon Art Services.