CLAISEBROOK

East of Perth city is an area which used to be the place were all those 'out of sight, out of mind' industries were housed. The ones that required access to running water but which one didn't want to see or smell such as abattoirs and tanneries. As these industries ran down or rather the patience of the city worthies about having them so close to town ran out, the land lay derelict until it was turned into a housing estate in the 1990s.

It’s a slightly odd combination of housing and parks ...and art. There are places that acknowledge the indigenous heritage of the land but the units are rather tee and British in appearance. Low rise apartments buildings and houses with green grassy parks. In some ways, it is probably a very pleasant place to live. Water views. Close to the city. Cafes and restaurants. 

We were there in early April to undertake a history and art walking tour run by volunteers from the East Perth Community Group. For 90 minutes we wandered along roads and pathways, through parks and shopping precincts, past creeks and riverbeds looking at murals and sculptures, concrete poems and greenways with waterscapes, large metal sculptures and tiny tin geckos scattered across telegraph and light poles. 

One of my favourite pieces was a Testra box painted by an indigenous high school student, representing the challenges faced by young men such as himself in their journey through historic time and life time.

Given the indigenous signage and painting, it was interesting to see a group of people from the Kimberly sitting, drinking Jim Beam in Victoria Park (even if the signs said very clearly no alcohol allowed). Andrew Hawes, artist and our guide, said that they catch the bus from Royal Perth Hospital when they are down supporting relatives who need medical care. Even though they are in someone else's country, I suspect it must feel like a safe space, sitting on the grass, looking out over the river.

Even with some rain, it was an enjoyable experience.