ngurrak barring

The trails share local stories through a range of creative approaches, including permanent sculptures, architectural nodes, land art and heritage interpretation.

The Dandenong Ranges lie within the traditional homelands of the clans of the Kulin Nation, who used the area seasonally. Larger camps in the region were typically located near main waterways such as the Birrarung (Yarra River), as well as smaller creeks and swamps. The ranges are also known to contain cultural heritage values associated with traditional meeting grounds, hunting areas and spiritual places.

GML was engaged by Yarra Ranges Shire Council to amend a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) for the project. Working in collaboration with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, GML ensured that Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the site were fully understood and protected. The approved CHMP included management and mitigation measures to address potential impacts. The CHMP supported the delivery of the new and improved tracks, along with the creative elements for ngurrak barring.

GML curated the heritage interpretation for the project’s website and on-site signage across the five themed trails, in collaboration with Way Back When Historians. This work included research, co-creation with Wurundjeri, and the development of interpretive content.

GML facilitated workshops with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders to determine sign locations, themes and content. Together, stories were developed around five key themes—Ways of Seeing, Community, Resilience, Activism and Country—which were then adapted to suit signage requirements. Final signage and imagery were reviewed and approved by the WWCHAC Board.

GML also produced eight essays for the project website to encourage further learning. The signs and artwork are currently being installed along the ngurrak barring trails.