ngurrak barring is an exciting new arts and culture trail weaving through goranwarrabil (the Dandenong Ranges).
Spanning 39kms of interconnected walking trails, ngurrak barring (meaning 'mountain paths' in Woiwurrung), invites you to explore the natural wonders, creative history and contemporary arts practice inspired by the area.
Anchored by eleven permanent artworks commissioned specifically for the project, five Architectural Nodes and a rich network of interpretive storytelling, the trail invokes the cultural heartbeat of the Dandenong Ranges and establishes a unique new destination for arts and culture-led tourism.
Yarra Ranges Council, along with their funding partners, the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, celebrated the launch of ngurrak barring on Thursday 23 April in Sherbrooke Forest, Kallista.
The project was made possible with support from the Commonwealth Government's Regional Growth Fund and Community Development Fund and the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund.
Senator Lisa Darmanin said she believes ngurrak barring will take its place as one of the must-do visitor experiences in Victoria.
"We know how important tourism is to the local economy in the Dandenong Ranges.
"This experience is sustainable, Indigenous-informed and rooted in the natural environment this area is renowned for, making it a wonderful new addition and additional boost to the tourism economy.
"The launch of this project also means improved accessibility in the community for all community members of all ages and abilities, as ngurrak barring improves safe and accessible pedestrian access to services and schools."
The launch event honoured the project's strong partnership with Traditional Owners with a Call to Country by Wurundjeri woiwurrung woman, Chenile Chandler, and a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO. Formalities were followed with a performance by the Djirri Djirri Dancers and artist talks.
Local Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino, said ngurrak barring marked an important new chapter for the Dandenong Ranges.
"ngurrak barring brings together culture, creativity and Country and invites people to slow down, connect with the landscape and experience the rich stories that make the Dandenong Ranges so special. It is a project that celebrates this place while bringing real benefits to our local towns and communities and I am very proud to see it launched."
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Councillor Richard Higgins, also spoke of how important it was for the project to share the stories of the local community.
"The people who live in the Dandenong Ranges feel a deep connection to this place. ngurrak barring was shaped by extensive community engagement. The team worked with Landcare groups, historical societies, community and traders' groups, local RSLs and CFAs, and so many others."
"These groups shared their time, knowledge and love for this place and ngurrak barring is stronger because of it."
"ngurrak barring celebrates the long and continuing history of artists and creatives finding inspiration the Dandenong Ranges - a tradition that is very much alive today in the communities who call these Hills home," he said.
The project's new commissions include work from local artists such as sculptor Anton McMurray who grew up in Dandenong Ranges, as well as artists with deep connections to the region. Tiriki Onus's Thriviance: Then, Now, Next (with Jenna Lee and Jamie Ferguson) weaves together four generations of family history, activism, and creative expression that have taken place here. Artworks like The Reveal (Helen Bodycomb, Cate Kennedy and Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke) and the Land Art, Regeneration - The Listening Place (John Tarry, Marti Fooks and James Moreton) were directly informed by the landscape they sit within.
Other works along the trail include the Writing ngurrak barring project, curated by Lia Hills. In addition, the extensive interpretative signage delves into this long creative inspiration, including pieces on Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Edna Walling.
ngurrak barring is a 39‑kilometre arts and culture walking trail through the Dandenong Ranges, featuring eleven permanent artworks, five architectural nodes and storytelling signage along interconnected paths. The project is delivered by Yarra Ranges Council, in partnership with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.
