Broome has its fair share of magical moments – but Fusion Moonrise took that to another level.

Last weekend, I joined hundreds of locals and visitors who gathered on Napier Terrace to celebrate the rising moon in a way only Broome can. As the sun set, and the moon started to rise the crowd only got bigger. There were picnics everywhere and people were debating whether to keep trying to get their iPhone camera to focus or to just sit back and enjoy the moment.

The event brought together everything I love about this town: good people, incredible talent, and a landscape that does half the work for you. With the bay as a backdrop and the moon slowly moving through the sculpture.

But Fusion Moonrise wasn’t just about the view. ‘Fusion: Interwoven Culture’ by SafeHaven Studios lives on the Napier Terrace roundabout and aligns perfectly with the moonrise twice a year. The moon rising through the sculpture connects the earth with the sky, the ocean with the stars, family with ancestors, and people with place. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the pearling heritage that Broome is built on.

The sculpture is made up of 500 individual pieces of stainless steel, jarrah, rope, steel, and copper – weighing in at just under 5 tonnes. The ‘Fu’ or ‘Shou’ symbol sits atop the artwork and reflects prosperity, longevity, good fortune, health and happiness. The traditional craftsmanship of pearl luggers is honoured as pearl shells and timbers are bound with pitched rope up each side. The sculpture blends mediums and techniques to reflect the interwoven cultures and influences of Broome.  

Events like Fusion Moonrise remind me of all the rich culture and heritage that Broome stands on.

If you missed it this time, make sure it’s on your radar next year.

Author: Tom Millard – August, 2025