Published on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 11:51:32 AM

A playful new public artwork celebrating friendship and local wildlife will soon bring colour, character and creativity to Palmerston Square Reserve.

Titled Friends Rock!, the artwork features an unlikely but delightful duo – a Motorbike Frog and a Tawny Frogmouth – capturing a moment of pure friendship and fun.

The characters celebrate local fauna commonly found in Bassendean parks and backyards, while reflecting the reserve’s role as a much‑loved gathering place for families.

Created by artists Amy Perejuan‑Capone and Penny Min Perguson, Friends Rock! draws on the artists’ personal connections to Bassendean and Lockridge, as well as their shared childhood experiences growing up among the area’s rich natural environment.

Standing approximately 1.2 metres tall, the work combines rugged natural boulders with vibrant colours, painted finishes and multi‑textured forms.

Mayor Kath Hamilton said Friends Rock! captures the spirit of Bassendean perfectly.

“This artwork is joyful, a little quirky and also proudly local, just like our community,” Mayor Hamilton said.

“Palmerston Square Reserve is already a favourite place for families, and Friends Rock! will add another reason to stop, smile and spend time together.”

Installation of Friends Rock! is expected by September 2026, with the project fully funded through developer contributions under Local Planning Policy No. 15 – Public Art, requiring no municipal funding.

The sculpture marks the first of four planned public artworks across the Town of Bassendean, with future installations proposed for Anzac Terrace Reserve, Collier Road, Park Estate Reserve and Success Hill Reserve.

Read more about the artwork and artists.

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