ngurrak barring is 39kms of interconnected walking trails, exploring the long and continuing inspiration that artists, designers', creatives and activists have found in the Dandenong Ranges.

The trails are segmented into five curated themes, along which the artworks and storytelling respond to. These themes are; Activism, Ways of Seeing, Community, Country, and Resilience.

What’s new?

• November marks a significant milestone for the project as the final two of the nine permanent artworks have been installed – Thrivance; Then, Now, Next and the Ways of Seeing Storm Leaves

• All of the interpretive signage is now installed

• Two additional pedestrian crossings will soon begin construction

• Sassafras Village Green upgrades near completion

Engagement

We’ve engaged extensively with the community throughout the ngurrak barring project. In addition to open engagement sessions, we continue to work closely with ‘Friends of’ Groups, including Friends of Kalorama Park and Friends of Sherbrooke Forest, local township and businesses and trader groups, historical societies, schools, the CFA and Vic Pol.

Pedestrian Crossings have been made safter throughout the region including McNicol Road and Kaola Road in Belgrave and Poets Lane, Sherbrooke.

The contract has been awarded for the construction of two crossings at the intersection of Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and Sherbrooke Road, Ferny Creek.

After extensive community consultation, the proposed designs for a pedestrian crossing at Kalorama Five Ways are under review and re-design with the Department of Transport.

Trail Upgrades – One of the primary aims of ngurrak barring is to connect townships in the Hills, enabling residents to walk more safely and conveniently between communities. To date, 14kms of existing trails have been upgraded including the recent Wannawong Track and Alice Track in Sassafras, Highview Road Track, Ferny Creek and School Track between Olinda and Sassafras.

The Activism trails run through Sherbrooke Forest. This theme celebrates the long history of environmental, social and political activism in the Dandenong Ranges.

Artwork along Activism

Thrivance: Then, Now, Next is a powerful new sculptural installation located at the base of Hillclimb Track in Sherbrooke Forest.

The artwork is a collaboration between Tiriki Onus, a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung artist, academic and maker; Jenna Lee, a Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri contemporary artist and graphic designer, and Jamie Ferguson of Aeroplane Workshop.

Drawing from the Onus family archive, Thrivance: Then, Now, Next weaves together four generations of family history, activism, and creative expression that have taken place in the Dandenong Ranges.

The Ways of Seeing trails connect Montrose, Kalorama and Mount Dandenong. This theme explores the evolving relationship between artists and the landscape.

Artwork along Ways of Seeing

Storm Leaves, Anton McMurray, Kalorama Memorial Park

The final of five Storm Leaves, by sculptor Anton McMurray, has been installed in Kalorama Memorial Park. Here you can also visit the Karwara Australian Gardens, where the Tawny Frogmouth sculpture currently lives. Two water tanks, part of the Indigenous Artwork Water Tank project, are also located in Kalorama Memorial Park.

Regeneration: The Listening Place, TARRMACstudios and FOOKS Landscape Architecture, Kalorama Park

Regeneration: The Listening Place, by TARRMACstudios and FOOKS Landscape Architecture is the Land Art in Kalorama Park. Consisting of sculpture, designed pathways and revegetation with native species, the work integrates with the parkland. This work will soon be accessible to the public.

Community trails connect Olinda and Sassafras. This theme reflects on the area’s long history as a place where creative communities flourish.

Architectural Node, Sassafras Village Green

The upgrades to Sassafras Village Green are anticipated to be completed by December 2025.

The first half of the works are complete, and the front half of the Green is now accessible to be enjoyed by the community. This includes the enhanced RSL memorial space.

The node and the accompanying structure will provide shelter and a play area respectively.

“The mother/aunty and child structures here are a representation of the nurturing, nourishment and guidance of community and Country. The welcoming forms are soft, warm and open whilst being strong and sheltering, their strength and structure formed of the many elements woven together. The forms take on the character of a weaving and a fern unfurling, an expression of the indivisible connection between ourselves and Country.” – Design statement by Djinjama and Cola Studio

In addition to the Community Node in Sassafras, there are four other Architectural Nodes along ngurrak barring.

A node is a resting point, or pause point along a trail. The five Architectural Nodes along ngurrak barring are enhanced by sculptural elements that act as reflective spaces, encouraging visitors to pause and contemplate their surrounding environment.

The nodes can also be viewed as ‘mini museums’ in the landscape that are easily accessible, allowing visitors to contemplate the surrounding Country and narratives. The nodes are permanent structures that offer a variety of purposes including rest, meeting, sheltering, and education.

The Architectural Nodes are collaborative explorations of the five themes of the walk through an Indigenous lens, crafted by First Peoples design studios, Djinjama and COLA Studio.