The trails of ngurrak barring are sectioned into five themed experiences: Ways of Seeing, Country, Community, Activism and Resilience.

An Architectural Node will sit along the trails of each of the themes. These act as reflective spaces along the trail encouraging pause and deeper immersion in the experience. The Architectural Nodes are collaborative explorations of the themes of the walk through an Indigenous lens, crafted by First Peoples design studios, Djinjama and COLA Studio.

Installation of the first of these five unique structures will begin in mid-July. It is anticipated that all five nodes will be completed by the end of the year.

The Ways of Seeing node began installation along Kyeema Track in mid-July.

The Ways of Seeing Node is an expression of the rhythm of the forest and the movement of water through the layers of Country. Here, the phloem of the Mountain Ash is honoured as conduit of water from Biik-ut (Below Country) through Biik-dui (On Country) and into Wurru wurru Biik (Sky Country). Bank Biik (Water Country) is honoured as an ephemeral presence, reflecting Sky and Star Country when it pools in the boulder. - Designer Statement

Sherbrooke Picnic Grounds and Activism themed Architectural Node –designer’s visualisation

The Activism Node sculpture will be installed in the Sherbrooke Picnic Grounds, off the main carpark in late June/early July - weather depending.

The Activism Nodes conceptualise activism as the sparks within communities that activate them to fight for justice, for protection, lights that guide us and warm us when times seem cold and dark. They are communities that come together to resist. Their power is in their strength, solidarity, numbers and passion. This collection of symbolic flames are arranged in adaptive ways responding to the surrounding context to facilitate gathering, provide a threshold or encourage exploration. Through these varied experiences, the Activism Nodes encourage a ‘stoking of the flames’ to keep the conversation and action going.  - Designer Statement

Designers' visualisation

The Community theme architectural node will sit in Sassafras Village Green, providing a place for community to gather, reflect and celebrate.

The node itself, representing the 'mother/aunty' form, and the smaller “child” play structure have been designed in response to the theme of ‘Community.

‘Community holds special meaning to many First Peoples. These Mother/Aunty and child structures are representative of the nurturing, strength, shelter and guidance community provides; the forms taking on the character of a weaving and unfurling fern, representing the unbreakable connection between community, culture and Country. - Djinjama and Cola Studio – Designer’s Statement

Extensive community engagement has informed the additional improvements to this vibrant and well-loved Village Green to enhance the use of this community space.

From July, temporary fencing and initial site preparations will begin in the Village Green. To complete these enhancements, the reserve will be temporarily closed for approximately 12 weeks. We’ve worked closely with the RSL, local businesses and community to ensure this timeframe doesn’t impact significant dates or peak trading times.

We are committed to minimising disruptions, with all work conducted within permitted hours and on weekdays only.

Designers' visualisation

The architectural node that will sit along the Country theme will begin installation in August, depending on weather. An Indigenous planting scheme will form part of landscaping works. Wurundjeri Elders led a planting event, including 30 Murnong (yam daisy), a culturally significant species for the Wurundjeri people – as a symbolic act of healing and growing partnership.

“The Country Node pays homage to the ancient tree ferns holding space nearby, acknowledging each layer of Wurundjeri Country and the human experience of travelling across Country over time.” - Djinjama and Cola Studio – Designer’s Statement

Resilience is a liminal journey through which Country/Culture/People are tempered through adversity to emerge strengthened. The form expresses the flowing tongues of cultural fire that shape the landscape; covered by the sweeping pattern of fins symbolising the strength of the community coming together. The internal experience symbolises the journey of individual resilience transitioning from a compressed entry to an expansive opening. The central aperture directs views upwards to the beyond human scale of the embracing canopy reflecting hope and aspiration required for resilience. Responding to three layers of Wurundjeri Country – Biik-dui (On Country) Murnmut Biik (Wind Country) and Wurru wurru Biik (Sky Country) – this Node respects and acknowledges the significance of the ridgelines and waterways as guiding lines through Country.  - Designer Statements