Informed by extensive community feedback, exciting improvements are coming to Sassafras Village Green.

Unfortunately, due to offsite fabrication delays, the timeline for the program of works has been extended. All care will continue to be taken to minimising community impact.

The project will be completed by March 2026.

• Fencing has been removed from the front half of the Green, and it is now accessible to the community
• The new space has had fresh turf laid down with site drainage upgrades
• The pathway featuring community artwork has been repaired and widened to be more accessible
• The RSL memorial has had a new corten backdrop added, designed in consultation with the Dandenong Ranges RSL. Complimentary planting has also been added to that space
• The swinging seats and pergola have been relocated to an alternate reserve
• New picnic seating has been added
• Landscaping, including additional garden areas and new plantings, has been added
• Power sources have been installed to facilitate community use of the space

• The Architectural Node, which will provide a community shelter and performance space.
  • A node is a meeting point and a site of connection. For ngurrak barring, renowned First Peoples' design studios Djinjama and COLA Studio have collaborated on the design of five Architectural Nodes. In the Village Green, this node speaks to the theme of ‘Community.’
• A play structure – this smaller structure will complement the design of the larger node.
• Additional planting and landscaping
• Another picnic seating

Along the trails of ngurrak barring wayfinding/directional signage has been installed. Additional signage telling stories of historical and cultural interest has also been placed along the trails.

Sassafras is a part of the trails themed ‘Community.’ Some of the signage along these trails include information on Arthur Streeton and his home at Longacres, Landscape designer Edna Walling,

information on the clan groups that make up the Wurundjeri woiwurrung language groups and stories of the intellectual and creative hub of the ‘Sunnyside’ property, situated in the former South Sassafras.

These stories and histories have been chosen to bring intent of the project to life; celebrating the cultural and creative history of the Dandenong Ranges, where some of Australia’s most significant artists, activists, writers and creatives have drawn inspiration.

ngurrak barring is jointly funded by the State and Federal governments, and Yarra Ranges Council. The government grants received must meet specified outcomes, including a cultural component. We have endeavored to include as many community infrastructure upgrades within the project as possible. To date that includes 14kms of upgraded trails, safer pedestrian crossings and upgraded carparks.