The cultural identity of Dharug Country is embedded throughout the Western Sydney International (WSI) precinct, with Indigenous design agency Balarinji collaborating with local Aboriginal artists and knowledge holders to incorporate local culture, language and storytelling across Australia’s newest airport.

The work encompasses a series of Indigenous-led design initiatives including a major public artwork, a dedicated First Nations visual identity system and an immersive digital Welcome to Country experience, establishing cultural connections across the airport precinct and into the arrival experience of travellers.

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Balarinji's involvement began with the airport's design competition in 2019, when the agency worked alongside architecture practice Woods Bagot to provide key cultural design principles. The collaboration continued during the design development phase in 2021, before Balarinji was subsequently appointed by WSI in 2023.

The commission involved developing a detailed Place narrative and Designing with Country framework through collaboration with locally connected Aboriginal knowledge holders and community-endorsed artists. The resulting narrative, Warami – Country is Life, extends a traditional Dharug welcome, directions and safe passage to visitors while establishing cultural design principles for embedding connections to Country throughout the airport.

"We’ve been pleased to work with Western Sydney International Airport to embed Country at beautiful touchpoints,” says Ros Moriarty, Managing Director of Balarinji.

“Through co-design and continuous collaboration with locally-connected Aboriginal knowledge holders and artists, Balarinji has woven significant Aboriginal narratives – including the major public artwork ‘Ngaliya Muru’, a Digital Welcome to Country and a dedicated First Nations Visual Identity – into the fabric of the precinct. It has been a privilege to help shape the story of Australia’s newest airport to warmly welcome travellers while deeply respecting the enduring living culture, identity, and protocols of Dharug Country.”

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Major public artwork – Ngaliya Muru (Relational Paths Lighting the Way)

A large-scale artwork co-created by Dharug/Muringong artist Venessa Possum and Balarinji Studio, this installation extends across the Warami Drive airport bridge, pedestrian bridge and adjoining retaining walls, delivering a landmark cultural experience along the airport approach.

Spanning 120sqm, the layered steel screening incorporates 109 custom laser-cut panels, complemented by a 112sqm mural. The artwork translates Possum's original watercolour paintings, which depict Dharug waterways, Sky Country and native species, into an architectural installation.

"This artwork is a continuum of warunggad (ancestral presences), which teaches us the importance of honouring relational pathways and the cultural responsibility to share deeply held values across Ngurra (Country)," says Possum.

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First Nations Visual Identity System

Balarinji also developed a First Nations visual identity for the airport in collaboration with Dharug/Ngemba artist Jamie Eastwood. Designed to complement WSI's core brand identity, the system is applied across a range of communication and operational materials, including print and digital, events, promotional merchandise, staff uniforms and the airport's Reconciliation Action Plan.

Eastwood's artwork Dharug Nura provides the creative foundation for the identity with triangular motifs representing the beating heart of Dharug Country in a Sky Country colour palette.

"This Country is a living entity that connects us all from its spiritual waterways, our ancient landscape, and sightlines and the Sky Country above us embraces us all," explains Eastwood.

Digital Welcome to Country

The design initiatives extend to the airport's passenger experience through an immersive digital installation in the Arrivals Hall.

Developed with Studio Gilay and local language holders, the video experience welcomes and farewells passengers as they move through the baggage claim area. The presentation celebrates Dharug language while recognising the broader diversity of Aboriginal cultures across Australia.

All images supplied

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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