This mural investigates suburban narrative and how the mechanics of suburbia create places rather than spaces. As a resident of Joondalup, living in Craigie, Trevor Bly’s own practice explores understandings of the suburbs, identity and home and the links between place-making and activation of urban buildings.

Utilizing aerosol paint and acrylic paint, Bly with WA artist Sam Bloor have depicted local observations of suburban life in this mural titled Heathridge. The connection between site and mural were observed by the artists during weekend visits to the oval and seeing how sporting communities engaged with the site, notably how this oval is activated with families watching local community sports.

The artists have incorporated three key design features into this work: the use of suburban iconography (the chair), place making through text (Heathridge) and a sports drill element (the bullseye game). These three features offer the Heathridge neighborhood a sense of pride and ownership of the site.

By focusing on these narratives and then placing these reminders back into the locale, the artists highlight the character of the Heathridge community and how leisure and sport is integral to this area.