Published on Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 9:00:00 AM
Council Supports Preferred Concept for Nannup's Northern Entry Statement
Following a successful Expression of Interest process that invited artists and members of the community to share their vision for a landmark entry statement for Nannup, the Shire of Nannup is pleased to announce that Council has supported the concept submitted by local artist Alan Meyburgh as the preferred option for investment and further development at the town's northern gateway.
Council would like to sincerely thank all of those who participated in the process and took the time to develop and submit concepts. The quality and creativity of the submissions reflected a deep appreciation for Nannup's unique character, natural environment and strong sense of community. The ideas received demonstrated the many ways Nannup's story can be told through public art and highlighted the passion people have for our town and its future.
The concept supported by Council captures the essence of Nannup through a striking design featuring a flock of black cockatoos soaring above a landscape inspired by the rolling hills, valleys and natural beauty of the region. The artwork reflects Nannup's identity as a place where nature, community and connection come together, creating a memorable and welcoming arrival experience for both residents and visitors.
Developed through the Expression of Interest process, Mr Meyburgh's concept aligns strongly with the project's vision of celebrating Nannup's landscape, heritage and sense of place. An experienced sculptor, designer and public artist, Mr Meyburgh's work can be found in significant public locations across Western Australia and internationally.
At the heart of the design is the black cockatoo, an iconic species of the South West and an important indicator of the health of local ecosystems. In his submission, Mr Meyburgh described black cockatoos as symbols of community strength, cooperation, learning and enduring connections to place. Their presence in the artwork reflects both Nannup's rich natural environment and the shared responsibility to protect and celebrate the landscapes that make our region special.
The concept also recognises the significance of black cockatoos in Noongar culture and their connection to seasonal change and the natural environment, creating a powerful and timeless symbol that resonates with both residents and visitors.
The proposed northern entry statement will incorporate the Nannup name as part of the artwork and be complemented by native landscaping that reflects the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements will create a distinctive gateway that encourages visitors to slow down, connect with their surroundings and experience all that Nannup has to offer. The northern entrance has been identified as the priority location for the first stage of the project.
The preferred concept resonated strongly through its celebration of nature, its connection to an iconic local species and its ability to tell a story about Nannup's environment, heritage and community spirit. It captures the qualities that make Nannup unique, from its spectacular natural landscapes and biodiversity to the strong community connections that continue to shape the town today.
Working collaboratively with the Shire's Parks and Gardens team, the project will combine public art, landscaping and place-making to create a landmark feature that celebrates Nannup's identity and leaves a lasting impression on all who arrive.
As the project progresses, the northern entry statement will become more than a gateway feature. It will be a celebration of Nannup's natural beauty, an acknowledgement of the importance of the black cockatoo to our landscape, and a reflection of the community pride that makes Nannup such a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
The concept design was supplied through the Expression of Interest process.
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