McCallum Park Active Area

Modus Australia delivered a custom Yarra 3 toilet building for McCallum Park, Victoria Park, featuring Indigenous-inspired design elements, vandal-resistant construction, and infrastructure to support community events as part of a $4.8 million park redevelopment.

Principal:: Modus Australia
Client:: Town of Victoria Park, Main Roads WA
Product/s:: Yarra 3
Year:: 2025

McCallum Park sits at the Victoria Park end of the newly opened Boorloo Bridge, a landmark connection across the Swan River in Perth. Adjacent to the bridge, the park has undergone a $4.8 million redevelopment that includes upgraded basketball courts featuring stunning full-court murals by artists Kamsani Bin Salleh and Chris Nixon, alongside a competition-ready skate plaza, BMX pump track, junior scooter circuit, and active community spaces surrounded by new landscaping and spectator areas. As the park redevelopment progressed, the need for essential amenities became clear. Visitors to this growing community hub required accessible toilet facilities to support extended stays and community gatherings.

Challenges and Project Needs

The Town of Victoria Park, in partnership with Main Roads WA, identified several key requirements for the project. The facility needed to integrate culturally with the Boorloo Bridge's design elements and the adjacent Indigenous artwork celebrating the Mindeera Spring. It had to provide robust vandalism resistance to ensure longevity in a high-traffic public space. Additionally, the building needed to include infrastructure for community events, supporting food trucks and gatherings in the park.

McCallum Park Toilet Building | Public Amenity Victoria Park WA

Cultural Integration

The toilet building's design connects to the broader cultural narrative of the site. Front verandah posts were inspired by the wanna, or digging sticks, mirroring the pylons on the Boorloo Bridge that honour Balbuk, a Whadjuk Noongar woman who fought to protect Country from development.

External graphic panels designed by artists Kamsani Bin Salleh and Chris Nixon reflect the Mindeera Spring, a historically significant waterway that brought people together to nourish, exchange knowledge, and care for Country. Kamsani, who has worked closely with Ballardong Noongar people and Nimunburr and Yawuru people, brings deep cultural knowledge to the artwork. The design maps the spring's path as it flows toward the river, using parallel water lines and stylised hand motifs representing community, connection, and the passing of knowledge across generations. The vibrant teal colour palette ties the toilet building visually to the skatepark and basketball courts, adding to a cohesive design.

Vandalism Resistance

Vandalism was a primary concern for the facility's design. The building incorporates multiple features to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs. Mini-orb internal cladding with a Surfmist finish provides a welcoming, homely feel whilst its ribbed profile resists impact damage and makes graffiti tagging difficult. Concealed cisterns within service ducts protect fixtures from deliberate damage. A through-wall sharps dispenser eliminates the risk of wall-mounted units being removed and tampered with, addressing a significant safety concern in public amenity buildings.

Future Adaptability

While funding for a Changing Places facility was not secured initially, the custom Yarra 3 building was designed with future expansion in mind. The structure's height allows for a Changing Places toilet to be seamlessly attached when funding becomes available, similar to previous projects like David Currie Playspace. This forward-thinking approach ensures the facility can grow with community needs without requiring major structural modifications.

Supporting Community Events

On the rear of the building, infrastructure supports community gatherings and events. Power outlets and drainage connections accommodate food trucks, enabling the park to host festivals, markets, and cultural celebrations. This feature enhances the precinct's role as a vibrant community meeting place.

An Outstanding Result

Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley said: "Facilities like these are such an important asset for the local community, and I'm sure they'll be enjoyed for years to come." The McCallum Park toilet building serves as more than a functional amenity. It honours the cultural significance of the site, reflects the stories embedded in the Boorloo Bridge and surrounding artwork, and provides a durable, adaptable facility for the community. The building's thoughtful design details address practical concerns about vandalism and maintenance whilst creating a welcoming space that respects Country and connects visitors to the Mindeera Spring's enduring legacy. This public amenity building enhances the park experience and stands as a meaningful addition to Victoria Park's growing cultural precinct.