Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah is a large-scale, eco-conscious public art trail featuring six giant sculptures across Mandurah and Subiaco.
Conceived as a post-pandemic cultural tourism initiative, the project aimed to stimulate economic activity, promote environmental stewardship, and celebrate First Nations culture through creative placemaking and community collaboration.
Project cost
$1.75 million plus in-kind, funded through a partnership between FORM, the City of Mandurah, Tourism WA, Lotterywest, the Alcoa Foundation, and other stakeholders.
Project timeframe
The project was developed over approximately 3 years, with initial concept discussions beginning in late 2019, paused during COVID-19, and recommencing in 2021. The Giants were officially launched in November 2022, with the first year of impact measured through to November 2023.
What was the problem or opportunity being addressed?
Mandurah faced several challenges:
- Low brand recognition as a tourism destination
- Economic recovery needs post-COVID-19
- Environmental degradation and lack of awareness of the Peel-Yalgorup wetlands
- Social disadvantage and limited cultural engagement
The opportunity was to reposition Mandurah as a vibrant cultural tourism hub by leveraging its natural assets, engaging First Nations storytelling, and creating a globally significant art experience.
How the project addressed the problem or opportunity
The City of Mandurah partnered with FORM and international artist Thomas Dambo to deliver a unique art trail using recycled materials, storytelling, and environmental education.
The project:
- Engaged over 295 volunteers and 88 builders
- Collaborated deeply with Bindjareb Noongar Elders to integrate the Bindjareb Creation Story
- Delivered accessibility features including guides and social stories
- Implemented environmental rehabilitation including planting 1000 native seedlings and removing 170kg of rubbish
- Created a treasure hunt experience using GPS and AR technology
- Developed educational resources used by 114 schools, reaching over 17,000 students
Project outcomes
Visitor Numbers: Over 498,000 in the first year
- Economic Impact: $81 million in visitor spend; ROI of 47:1
- Business Growth: 92% of businesses reported positive impact; some saw 20-30% growth
- Tourism Recognition: Mandurah named Australia’s Top Tourism Town 2023
- Environmental Awareness: 85% of visitors reported increased appreciation for nature
- Community Engagement: 2,066 volunteer hours; 83% felt more connected to their community
- Education: 114 schools engaged; 17,274 students benefited
- Media Reach: 47 million+ audience reach; $270,000+ in free editorial coverage
- Inclusivity: High engagement across diverse demographics including people with disabilities, CALD communities, and youth at risk
Lessons learnt
- Early Stakeholder Engagement: Earlier involvement of stakeholders could have streamlined logistics and approvals
- Infrastructure Planning: The high visitor numbers strained local infrastructure; future projects should include more robust contingency planning
- Digital Integration: AR and treasure hunt features were successful; future projects could expand into VR and gamified learning
- Volunteer Management: A scalable system for volunteer coordination would improve efficiency and support
- Educational Continuity: Ongoing partnerships with schools and community groups could extend the project’s legacy
- Cultural Sensitivity: Deep collaboration with First Nations communities is essential and enriches the experience for all
