At StreetStrong, we take pride in supporting meaningful placemaking projects that bring communities together. We reflect on our collaboration with renowned Australian Indigenous artist Saretta Art & Design for the University of Newcastle‘s Callaghan Campus is a shining example of how StreetBond™ can transform spaces into vibrant, culturally significant landmarks.

Working alongside Terras Landscape Architects to bring to life Saretta’s Design, StreetStrong crew applied StreetBond™ coatings to create patterned asphalt surfaces that authentically showcase indigenous culture and design.

The resulting artwork, titled Wola Mariyang – “Go Forward”, symbolises the exciting learning journey at the University, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land — the Pambalong Clan of the Awabakal Nation. The space now offers students, staff, and visitors a meaningful place to sit, reflect, and capture important milestones such as graduation photos — a new tradition enriched with local Indigenous culture.

The McMullin Placemaking Project at Callaghan began in 2020, when the University invited Indigenous artists to collaborate with winning student designers Laurance Low Wen Jieh, Meixin Du, and Pau Jin Wei. Their vision, titled “The Journey”, cleverly weaves the University’s logo and values — Excellence, Engagement, Equity, and Sustainability — into a sculptural, welcoming place-marker.

As experts in decorative asphalt coating, StreetStrong applied StreetBond to ensure durability, vibrancy, and flexibility across the campus surface. StreetBond™ paint is uniquely formulated for high-traffic areas, providing long-lasting colour, slip resistance, and UV stability. Our StreetBond™ coating process involves surface preparation, precision application, and multiple layers of StreetBond™ coatings to achieve a vivid, patterned asphalt surface that both honours Saretta’s artistic vision and stands up to daily wear.

With StreetBond™, community-driven projects like the University of Newcastle’s McMullin Place are not only visually stunning but built to last.

Learn more about StreetBond™ process and application here.