Long before the first train pulls into Thornlie Station, the walls are already telling a powerful story.
Students from Yale Primary School and Thornlie Senior High School returned to the new station this week for a special preview of their artwork; now part of a permanent mural that celebrates culture, nature and community.
The artwork, titled ‘The Gardens’, is a collaboration between the local students, artist Arif and Audrey Satar, and Elder Marie Taylor.
It features colourful impressions of a dream garden and bush tucker garden, inspired by Aboriginal stories shared during workshops held two years ago.
Metronet representatives welcomed students to the station on Wednesday morning, thanking them for their role in modelling the space with creativity and meaning.
“We are meeting today on Whadjuk Noongar land,” the representative said.
“It’s a real privilege to come together to celebrate this beautiful piece, created through story, learning and collaboration. This is something to be proud of.”
Metronet said involving the community in public art helps create a sense of identity.
“In this instance, having local students contribute their art to the overall design of the platform wall, in a facility that they would be using regularly, is especially, meaningful.”
Artists Arif Satar and Audrey Satar had previously worked with the school students on arts at the existing Thornlie platform. When they were invited to design the new platform wall, they embraced the chance to collaborate again with the students. This time, weaving Aboriginal culture and history through a workshop with Elder Marie Taylor, who explained the importance of gardens and bush tucker in Aboriginal culture.
Fourty-four Year 6 students from Yale Primary School and Thornlie SHS’s drawings were later woven into a single panoramic artwork now installed on the station’s platform wall.
Member for Thornlie, MLA Colleen Egan, who organised the student preview, said the project represents the heart of what community infrastructure should be.
“Every day, thousands of people will pass this wall and see the artwork these students created,” she said.
“Years from now, they’ll be able to bring their own children here and say, ‘I made that.”
Ms Egan said the station isn’t just a transport hub, but a symbol of connection; past, present and future.
“Its exciting not just because the train line is opening but because we’ve created something lasting,” she said. “This artwork brings the stories of our traditional owners together with the voices of our young people. It’s a beautiful blend of history and hope.”
For the students, the experience left a lasting impression.
Ruby Glossop, now in Year 8 at Thornlie SHS, said she was excited to spot her design on the wall.
“My artwork shows a lake of black swan,” she said. “It was really cool to be part of something like this. I feel happy seeing it here.”
According to Zachary Gandy, “It was fun; the Elder gave us great ideas. I’m happy I got to be part of this.”
Thornlie SHS teacher, Adam Brettner, said the project brought education to life in a powerful way.
“Students didn’t just hear about Aboriginal stories; they heard them directly from a local elder. That made it real,” he said. “And now their work is on a train station wall. That’s something special.”
Some students attended the tour with younger siblings, while parents and teachers gathered to take photos. The moment was more than a celebration of art; it was a celebration of belonging.
“This isn’t just a new station,” Ms Egan said. “It’s a piece of community pride, shaped by young hands and shared stories.”
