Waitara Station
Artefact developed heritage interpretation elements for many train stations as part of Transport for NSW’s Transport Access Program (TAP) upgrades, honouring both the local Aboriginal cultural heritage and the built heritage of each station.
The project
Location: Waitara Station on Darug and Guringai Country
Artefact was engaged by Gartner Rose to develop a site-specific Heritage Interpretation Plan and interpretive media for Waitara Station to showcase the history of the station and the Aboriginal cultural significance of the surrounding area.
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Gartner Rose
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Heritage Interpretation plan
Heritage Interpretation media design
Public Art
Heritage solution
Waitara Station opened in 1895 as the last station on the North Shore Line. Artefact worked with a small number of locally connected artists to produce concept designs for integration within the new fencing and screens at the station.
Concept designs by Tubba-Gah artist Merindah Funnell were selected. The designs, entitled ‘Invitation to Connect’, focus on the terrain and waterways of the area and the beautiful bottlebrush, kangaroo grass and Sydney blue gum, all important parts of the local ecosystem.
The designs are threaded together by symbols of connection and travel. The artwork was produced as bespoke coloured metal shapes fixed to the fencing on the main station entrance at Alexandra Parade and on the mesh screens on the station.
Artefact also developed a series of interpretive panels, installed within the station’s new subway and on the platform, which explore the history of the station and the suburb of Waitara.
The upgraded station opened in February 2024 with the eye-catching artworks and informative panels providing the many tens of thousands of users of Waitara station with a glimpse into the station’s history and deep time connections to Country.
“Artefact were a pleasure to work with on this project. They approached their work with a professional and positive manner and were always happy to provide extra guidance along the way. The outcome of the work was of high quality and has resulted in a fantastic and colourful outcome for the commuters using Waitara Station.”