Helena Abdou
Aboriginal pavement mosaic and interpretive signage will feature in a new community space near Darebin Creek Lookout as part of the Childs Road upgrade.
The new rest area will reside on the southern side of the new bridge where walking and cycling paths will connect to the Darebin Creek Trail.
Members of the community have been encouraged to have their say regarding the final design of the mosaic artwork designed by Aboriginal artist, Ashley Firebrace.
However, the final decision will be made by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elders.
The artworks, each titled ‘Meeting Place’, pay tribute to the Wurundjeri-balluk and Wurundjeri-willam clans along Darebin Creek.
Locals will also have a say in the preference of native trees used in the new rest area.
Major Road Projects Victoria has worked closely with Wurundjeri Willum traditional owners on the designs for the rest area and the project in general.
Childs Road upgrade project director Dipal Sorathia said the project is more than just a road upgrade and is about building ties with the original inhabitants of the land.
“There is growing understanding about what role we can play to build better connections with aboriginal communities. More than building a road, we’re enhancing new ways to dig deeper and celebrate the history and culture of Traditional Owners, on whose land we work on,” he said.
Mr Sorathia said Indigenous locals would be involved every step of the way.
“The Childs Road upgrade team will continue working closely with the Aboriginal community, harnessing this space to enlighten locals about this area’s Aboriginal heritage for many years to come.”
Construction of the Darebin Creek Lookout will begin in April and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
