Midland Legends Mural Unveiled at Midland Gate: A Tribute to Local Footy Icons 

Midland Gate is proud to unveil the first stage of the Midland Legends Mural, a bold new public art installation honouring local football legends and celebrating culture, identity, and community.

 

This landmark initiative has been developed in close collaboration with the Fremantle Dockers, and with funding support from the City of Swan through its community cultural grants program. The mural is located on the Great Eastern Highway side of the centre, near the Commonwealth Bank entry, and is already becoming a powerful visual tribute to the spirit of Midland.

 

🏉 Stage 1: Honouring Michael “Sonny” Walters

Currently in its early stages of development, the first phase of the mural recognises Michael “Sonny” Walters, a proud Noongar man, Midland local, and Fremantle Dockers star. Sonny’s journey from grassroots footy to AFL stardom is one of resilience, cultural pride, and leadership – making him the perfect choice to launch this legacy project.

The mural features a collaboration between two acclaimed WA artists:

  • Brendan Lewis from HOPE Perth Studios, who is crafting the lifelike facial composition and mural layout
  • Jade Dolman (JD Penangk), a respected Noongar artist, who is adding traditional cultural overlays and First Nations storytelling elements

Their partnership brings together technical realism and cultural narrative, creating a truly meaningful public artwork for the community.

 

🏉 Stage 2: Nic Naitanui – Coming Early 2026

In Early 2026, the mural will expand to feature Nic Naitanui, former West Coast Eagles superstar and one of WA’s most celebrated sporting figures. Born to Fijian parents, Nic is known not only for his athleticism but also for being a strong advocate for diversity, education, and youth empowerment. His inclusion ensures the mural reflects the cultural richness of Western Australia’s football legacy.

 

Community, Culture & Connection

This mural is part of Midland Gate’s broader commitment to cultural engagement and community celebration, aligning with Fawkner Property’s ESG values and innovation in place-making. With support from the City of Swan, this project exemplifies how public art can foster connection, pride, and storytelling in one of WA’s most diverse communities.

A formal unveiling of Stage 1 is anticipated later this year. In the meantime, the community is invited to visit the site and witness the artwork evolve.

 

📍 Project Details:

  • Location: Great Eastern Hwy side, near Commonwealth Bank and Best & Less
  • Featured Legends: Michael Walters (Stage 1), Nic Naitanui (Stage 2 – Early 2026)
  • Artists: Brendan Lewis (HOPE Studios), Jade Dolman (JP Penangk)
  • Partners: Fremantle Dockers Football Club, City of Swan
  • Unveiling of Stage 1: Late 2025
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