Indigenous songlines continue along the Frankston line

The Victorian Government is committed to removing every one of the dangerous and congested level crossings on the Frankston line by 2029 – transforming how locals live, work and travel.

Level crossing removal works are now complete in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach. To remove 8 dangerous and congested level crossings and build 3 new stations we lowered the Frankston line into 3 rail trenches, each around 1km long and as deep as 7m.

We also built 4 new road bridges above the trenches at Edithvale Road in Edithvale, Argyle Avenue in Chelsea, Bondi Road in Bonbeach – and added a new link across the rail corridor at Thames Promenade, Chelsea. Residents now have easier access to public transport, local shops and the beach.

During 2022, we’ve put the finishing touches on the stations, including planting and landscaping. We also completed construction of a walking and cycling path between Edithvale and Bonbeach, opening more than 11km of continuous shared use path from Edithvale to Frankston.

Through our community engagement we heard locals wanted local Indigenous culture represented in the final design. Through consultation with the local Bunurong community we have incorporated symbols belonging to Traditional Owners to showcase the rich Indigenous history of the area.

Local Indigenous artists have created artworks which use various design elements such as illustrations of coastal landscapes and native wildlife. These artworks create a ‘songline’ of lasting Indigenous legacy along the Frankston line.

Indigenous Markers

We worked closely with the Bunurong Land Council to incorporate cultural patterns, with designs referencing a possum skin cloak and carved shield crafted by local Indigenous artists.

The aluminium frame of the urban markers feature wedge-tailed eagle designs, referencing Bunjil the Creator, significant to Bunurong culture.

Graphics were generated from the images provided by the Bunurong Land Council and approved by the Council for use. The markers will look towards culturally significant locations, including the historic Carrum Carrum Swamp, the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay.

Waa, by Jenna Lee

Made up of seven black feathers and four wings crafted out of recycled plastic, the area’s newest mural has landed to the north of Edithvale Station’s Nepean Highway entrance.

The artwork, created by artist Jenna Lee, depicts the creation story of the black crow, passed down by the local Bunurong peoples. The story tells of Waa, born with white feathers which turned black in a bushfire after crows stole burning coals.

Lee, a Gulumerridjin (Larrakia) and Wardaman and KaraJarri Saltwater woman of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, worked with the Bunurong Land Council to illustrate and pay homage to the cultural story of the Waa being the spiritual protector of the land, waterways and the community.

Chelsea Pedestrian Bridge

The screens on the Chelsea Pedestrian Bridge feature a cartographic coastal pattern and indigenous text, located on the northern corners both east and west sides of bridge.

The Bunurong Land Council provided a traditional language phrase for the bridge: ‘Ner bo mall Wandanaro tuduk Marnebeek’, which translates to ‘Help look out for the good Country’.

Beachgrass, by James Tapscott

Inspired by the beach grasses growing along the dunes of Chelsea Beach, sculptural light installations by James Tapscott will frame the new pedestrian bridge and energise the precinct.

Located at each entrance to the walkway, the installations will draw the eye from a distance as passengers approach the station. The five stalks emulate the relaxed atmosphere of the neighbouring beach, while cleverly using light to connect both sides of the rail line.

Beachgrass was installed in late 2022.

Bonbeach Station Overpass

At Bonbeach Station, the pedestrian overpass includes a metal decorative screen referencing the James Curtis painting Lagoon in the Carrum Carrum Swamp – evening. Curtis was an English-born painter known for his work documenting Australian landscapes.

The interpretation was suggested by the Bunurong Land Council to act as a powerful reminder of how the country used to be. This will leave an important legacy recognising the cultural history of the area and respects the cultural significance of the Traditional Owners.

Karrum Karrum Bridge

Completed in 2018 as part of level crossing removal project works, the road bridge with dedicated pedestrian and bike path connects Station Street across the Patterson River and connects to the broader cycling and pedestrian network.

The project worked with the Bunurong Land Council to incorporate cultural motifs into the design by engaging directly with Traditional Owner groups.

The name Karrum Karrum Bridge reflects the original Bunurong place name, with the nearby yarning circle providing a welcoming space for Traditional Owners and community members to meet, gather and exchange cultural practices and values. Beneath the bridge there is a new walking and cycling underpass adorned with bright Indigenous murals that can also be found at the Seaford Road rail bridge.