Gnalla Wangkiny Park (Pingelly Pocket Park)
Project Completion
The Shire of Pingelly is proud to announce the successful completion of the Gnalla Wangkiny Park, also known as the Pingelly Pocket Park. This transformative project has turned a previously fenced and underutilised space on Main Street into a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community gathering place.
What was once a site designed to discourage anti-social behaviour has now been completely reimagined into a safe, activated and inviting public space. The park now opens directly onto the Main Street precinct, creating natural passive surveillance, increased activity, and a stronger connection to surrounding businesses and the town centre.
This is a true “woohoo moment” for Pingelly — a project delivered through strong community collaboration, cultural partnership, and shared vision.
Dual Naming & Cultural Significance
Following consultation with the Wilman Noongar people, the park has been officially dual named:
Gnalla Wangkiny Park (Pingelly Pocket Park)
- Gnalla means “us / our”
- Wangkiny means “language, speaking or talking”
The name reflects the park’s purpose as a place of storytelling, connection, and shared conversation. In Noongar culture, gathering around a fire to yarn, share stories, sing, and connect is a deeply important practice — and this space has been designed to honour and support that tradition.
The dual naming reflects the Shire’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, cultural recognition, and its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outcomes.
Project Vision & Design
The park was designed in close consultation with community stakeholders to fill a long-standing gap in Pingelly: a central, inclusive space for gathering, cultural expression, and community connection.
Key features include:
- A yarning circle for storytelling and discussion
- A fire pit for community gatherings
- A small stage area for performances and events
- Custom-cut Aussie metal fencing design elements
- Chalkboards for children’s creativity
- Established trees and garden beds framing the space
- Enchanting festoon lighting creating a warm evening atmosphere
- CCTV and open design supporting safety and passive surveillance
The surrounding built form, combined with the intimate scale of the space, creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Community Collaboration & Partners
This project was made possible through strong partnerships and collaboration with:
- Shire of Pingelly
- Moorditj Youth
- Pingelly Wilman People
- Reconnect WA
- Local community contributors and stakeholders
The project also formed part of broader community engagement and reconciliation planning, ensuring the space reflects local values, identity, and cultural priorities.
Funding Support
The development of Gnalla Wangkiny Park was made possible through the generous support of:
- Reconnect WA (State funding support)
- Commonwealth Government NAIDOC Week Grant funding
Their contribution played a vital role in bringing this vision to life and delivering a high-quality, inclusive community space for Pingelly.
Project Outcomes
The completion of Gnalla Wangkiny Park delivers a wide range of positive outcomes for the Pingelly community, strengthening community connection by encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to gather, connect, and share stories, while also fostering a strong sense of belonging. The dual naming and design elements honour Aboriginal culture and reinforce respect for Noongar heritage and storytelling traditions, creating an inclusive community space that is safe, welcoming, and accessible for all. Family-friendly features such as chalkboards, open areas, and the stage support outdoor play, creativity, and intergenerational engagement, while the space itself has been designed to host a variety of events including NAIDOC Week celebrations, storytelling nights, performances, and community gatherings both day and night. Located on Main Street, the park also enhances the vibrancy and appeal of the town centre, supporting local businesses and improving the overall visitor experience.
Community Events & Activation
Since its opening, the park has already hosted a number of successful and meaningful community events, including:
- NAIDOC Week Opening Celebration, featuring Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, cultural performances, and community gathering
- Performances by the Bigurrda Dancers and Pingelly Noongar Dance Group
- Community sundowners, storytelling, and shared meals
- State Tidy Towns celebrations recognising Pingelly’s achievements
These events have already demonstrated the park’s value as a living, breathing community space.
Project Completion Statement
The Gnalla Wangkiny Park is now officially complete, open, and in full use by the community.
It stands as a symbol of:
- Community pride
- Cultural respect
- Collaboration
- Inclusivity
- And the spirit of Pingelly
This project has successfully transformed a previously unused space into a place of connection, celebration, and belonging for current and future generations.