On Saturday 14 April Central Midlands Speedway Association proudly opened their new clubroom and function area – after 2 years of work on the project. The club used a Royalties for Regions grant to fund the upgrade, which included a special art mural explaining the significance and history of the site for the traditional owners.
The Moora Speedway grounds back onto a long-time Noongar Reserve, home to a large community for many years until it was closed in 1978. The club engaged with the local Yuat community and two of their artists, Debbie Nannup and Roberta Mippy, to create an artwork which preserves the heritage of the site and pays tribute to the indigenous heritage. The large scale mural, painted on metal, describes life on the reserve during the winter season and has many symbolic references for the people who lived there.
Artist Roberta Nippy, who raised her children on the reserve said the painting the piece was a very emotional experience. “So much of my heart and soul is right here in this painting,” she said, “I hope the young people can come here and see this for generations to come.”
Kaye McGlew and local artist, Dean O’Callaghan coordinated the project, bringing the artists together and also facilitating funding. Dale Cockman, Club President said, “The art component is particularly special and brings a really unique vibe to the track. We can’t thank Tronox and the Moora Sport and Recreation Association enough, for their generous support of this part of the project.
The mural has been hung on a prominent wall of the sparkling new clubrooms, the building of which has been a hugely collaborative project drawing on many members of the Moora community. The new facility sports a unique modern design, and the large pavilion style area is both functional and multi-purpose. The club would ideally like to see the space utilised for many different events and purposes in the future.
Past President of 10 years, Joe Fitzpatrick said, “Our strategy was to put Moora Speedway on the map! To do that we had to be innovative and have top-class facilities. So over the last 4 years, huge amounts of work have been going on around the entire venue to ensure Moora Speedway moves into the future with absolute positivity and direction.”
The club worked hard to complete the new clubrooms in time for the following weekend’s Make Smoking History SSWA Junior Sedan State Title, where it formed the central hub for all celebrations. These title events are very significant to the region with many visitors traveling to Moora specifically.
Wendy Newman, CEO for the Wheatbelt Development Commission commended the new facility, “I’m so impressed with this project. It has produced so many benefits. Vibrant, powerful, just beautiful. Awesome effort Roberta and Debbie. Moora Speedway deserves great credit for their community partnerships. It’s left a lasting impression.”
Due to the success and enthusiasm from local indigenous artists, the club are commencing a second mural to enable students from Central Midlands High School to participate. This mural will go on the back of spectator seating at the speedway venue when complete.
The Central Midlands Speedway Club would like to thank the numerous people and businesses involved in this successful project.
