The 2024 Master Builders WA Excellence in Construction Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in the construction industry, with Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja receiving the prestigious Best Public Use Building award in the $1.5 million-$5 million category.
This innovative nature space, developed by CDI Group in collaboration with the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) and designed by Hassell, was recognised for its exceptional construction quality, project management, and innovative design.
Officially opened in late February 2024 by WA Premier the Hon. Roger Cook, PCHF Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell, Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott, and Soft Earth Cultural Advisor Barry McGuire, Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja is situated at the base of the PCHF-funded Kids’ Bridge on the QEII Medical Centre campus.
The project, which cost $4 million, was funded by PCHF and founding partner Rio Tinto, with additional support from BIG W.
Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja features several unique elements, including a laser-cut iron cockatoo and crow, sequenced coloured lighting, an accessible discovery path with integrated patterns and textures, public art, animal sculptures, a structural steel snakeskin arbour, a sand play area, and sheltered resting spaces.
Garry Wright, owner and Managing Director of CDI Group, emphasised the project’s significance, stating: “We knew this was more than just a construction project from the outset and the recognition at the 2024 Master Builders WA Excellence in Construction Awards underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in creating spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also foster healing and joy for those who need it most.”
Carrick Robinson, CEO of PCHF, expressed pride in the project, noting: “We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team and partners who helped to turn this project from a dream into a reality.
“Their hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in transforming what was a simple patch of grass into a healing nature space at the QEII Medical Centre.”
Hassell Principal Anthony Brookfield shared his excitement about the recognition, highlighting the project’s potential to evolve over time.
“As the park matures, with the trees filling out and the flowers blooming, Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja will become an even more vibrant and culturally rich sanctuary for all to experience,” said Brookfield.
The nature space also includes accessible play equipment and showcases a variety of native plants from Kings Park, such as banksia and eucalyptus, designed to create a peaceful and therapeutic environment for patients, families, staff, and visitors.
Partners and contractors contributing to the project include Soft Earth, BGIS, Deep Green Landscaping, Apparatus Art Culture, Living Iron, Initech Solution, DJ Blackburn Plumbing and Gas, Scape-ism, Bigspoon, Redspear, Norman Disney Young, Structerre Consulting, Plantrite, and The Arbor Centre.
In the Noongar language, Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja translates to ‘to heal’ (Waalbiirniny), ‘to play’ (Waabiny), and ‘on Country’ (Boodja), reflecting the project’s commitment to cultural significance and community wellbeing.
