Djirra Binak (Reed Basket) is a dynamic sculptural installation by Murrup Biik—a public art practice led by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin and Chris Joy—in collaboration with Collide Public Art Initiative

Located in Kalorama along the ngurrak barring trail, the installation has been activated with an education program for children from Mount Dandenong Primary School. A Smoking Ceremony performed by Wurundjeri woiwurrung man Darren Wandin, was followed by words from the artists.

The children were then invited to plant culturally significant plants around the sculpture and participate in a guided bushwalk on Country.

Djirra Binak honours the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of goranwarrabil (the Dandenong Ranges), their woiwurrung language and Ancestral connections. Aunty Kim says “the artwork is a celebration of Country. Being on Country and working with natural materials connects me to my land and Ancestors, protecting and preserving intimate knowledge for future generations. Djirra is the reed that lives on Wurundjeri Country, providing sustenance in a broad range of ways. Binak is the basket, the symbol of women providing for family. It’s the vessel for holding, nurturing and caring.”

At the heart of the installation is a detailed photographic render of one of Aunty Kim’s woven baskets. Etched in white across several layers of glass, its intricate form hovers above a generous planting of traditional fibre plants employed in Aboriginal weaving practices.

As Chris Joy observes, “A pile of unused glass plates on the studio floor gave me the idea to create a three-dimensional hologram of Aunty Kim’s basket, and therefore a way to honour her weaving practice, matrilineal cultural traditions, and women’s custodianship of lands and waters.”

Upon reaching the central sculptural element and beholding the glass panels front on, the fragmented elements of the image are aligned, and the basket can be perceived in its entirety. In this way, visitors become active participants in realising the work and, with that, a shared sense of custodianship and care for Country is instilled.

The artists chose the site opposite the intersection of Ridge Road and Falls Rd, Kalorama because people can enjoy being immersed in the bush while also being able to “look out and gaze over Country.”

The artists also acknowledged the significance of the site for the local community as it was heavily impacted by the devastating 2021 storm with the loss of many old trees.

As Aunty Kim observes, “The artwork is a chance to pause and reflect and connect to the present with the sculpture being a reminder of Aboriginal people caring for Country. 'Heal the people heal the land,' as Archie Roach sang.”

While the sculpture is now complete and the surrounding fencing removed, the planting is still in establishment phase. This planting forms an integral part of the installation, calling for an appreciation and understanding that the experience of the work is ever growing and changing.

ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk is a 39km interconnected arts and culture trail running through the Dandenong Ranges. The project has delivered 14km of new and improved walking tracks, pedestrian crossings, permanent sculptures, and heritage interpretation.

The walk connects townships, supports the local economy, and celebrates the creative and cultural significance of the area, that has seen some of Australia’s most significant artists drawing inspiration from the Dandenong Ranges.

ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments and Yarra Ranges Council.