Welcome to the ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk Community Update! The aim of these updates is to keep you informed on the ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk project quarterly.

You may know the project very well, or want to know more, but in a nutshell: ngurrak barring (noo-rak bar-ring) meaning ‘mountain paths’ in woi wurrung, is an art and cultural experience, running along 39km of walking track.

The track leads through forests of towering mountain ash and rich understoreys, passes through townships and emerges to panoramic views of Melbourne. Art and interpretive content of various forms can be discovered across the track. ngurrak barring project will be delivering 14km of new and improved tracks, architectural nodes, permanent sculptures, land art and heritage interpretation.

Stage 1 of our trail upgrades are complete

Stage 1 construction is now complete! This upgrade has involved the upgrade of approximately 8kms of trails through the Dandenong Ranges. To finish off Stage 1, the Contractors have completed the below trails over this last month:

• Sherbrooke Track (Red track outlined on map)
• Ridge Track (Green track outlined on map)
• Pound Creek Track (Purple track outlined on map)
• Wattle Track (Blue track outlined on map)
• May Moon Track, Kalorama (Not shown below)

Stage 2 of the project trails are in progress with the review of connections through the townships as outlined in the Master Plan. More details will be provided as part of the next quarterly update.

The ngurrak barring public art program will include public artworks distributed along the full alignment in different locations, varying in medium and theme. All are guided by the community-authored Vision for the project, and the ngurrak barring Public Art working group, made up of Council officers and external Yarra Ranges-based experts on public art.

The Indigenous Project Advisory Network including Wurundjeri Elders are also consulted on artworks referencing Indigenous culture. As each project is confirmed, details and locations will be provided on the website, including opportunities for collaboration and participation in some of the works.

Anton Mc Murray, Leaf 1 of 2, Leaves in Space. Reclaimed Cypress, concrete mixed salvaged timbers and steel. 356 cm tall by 110cm wide by 95 cm deep. Private collection Mornington Peninsular

Storm Leaves

Storm Leaves pays homage to the mighty lifeforce of trees. Anton Mc Murray has been commissioned by Council to create a series of four sculptural trail heads to be installed at four major ngurrak barring trail gateways. Using salvaged timber from the 2021 storms, the artist is transforming these fallen trees into forms of beauty to aid healing and represent a path for renewal.

Five Ways, Improving pedestrian and traffic safety in Kalorama

We invite you to have your say on the updated design for the Five Ways intersection. This is your opportunity to provide additional feedback.

Engagement ends: 06/09/23

Due to technical issues, we recommend you retake the 'Five Ways, Improving pedestrian and traffic safety in Kalorama' survey if you completed it on the night of the launch (09/08/23)

Team members were recently involved in meeting with the Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation in relation to an amendment to our Cultural Heritage Management Plan. With the help of our heritage advisors, GML, we are working together to assess future aspects of the ngurrak barring project to ensure that activities do not impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage.

If you would like to get in touch, please drop us a line at ridgewalk@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or follow the project here.