We’ve removed the level crossings at Hopkins Road in Truganina and Ferris Road in Melton. The new modern and accessible Melton Station will open on Tuesday 1 September and the boom gates will be gone at Coburns and Exford roads making Melton level crossing free.

We collaborated with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, to develop design features for the new Melton Station precinct and the Ferris Road bridge to reflect Wurundjeri Woiwurrung stories, legacy, culture, and connection to Country, waterways, ecology and geology.

In collaboration with Aunty Julianne Axford, Aunty Gail Smith and Aunty Di Kerr, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders, the Melton Station and Ferris Road bridge designs are inspired by the story of Gurborra, the Koala.

The cautionary tale of Gurborra (the koala), shared through Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural knowledge, speaks to the importance of water, sharing and caring for Country.

At Melton Station and Ferris Road, this story has informed design features that recognise water, and its path through the Melton landscape, as a shared and precious resource, and reflect teachings about responsibility, respect and living in balance with Country.

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation are the Registered Aboriginal Party for the Melton area.

Their lands extend from the Mordialloc, up to Mount Baw Baw, up to Kilmore and Lancefield, and down to the Werribee.

Storytelling through symbols

Symbols are a vital form of visual communication used for storytelling and passing down cultural knowledge.

Symbols have been found preserved in caves, on rock walls and artefacts, dating back thousands of years.

In collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, we’ve included some of these symbols across the Melton Station precinct.

Design of the new Melton Station

Throughout the new Melton Station precinct, design elements are influenced by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung history, culture and Country.

The station’s palette is inspired by colours, tones and textures of geological formations and features that have shaped the Melton landscape and its heritage.

The colour of materials reflected throughout the station pay homage to water-stained granite and basalt; the rich brown colours of the water and tarnuk – a traditional wooden vessel made from the burls of River Red Gum trees.

Symbols imprinted into concrete paving in the station forecourt signify meeting place, journey, water and mountains and platform signage highlights important landmarks to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People such as Mount Macedon.

Custom glazing around the lift shafts, in the sky lights and on the elevated platforms feature designs representing the Gurborra story.

Connecting Melton through Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung stories

The 16m wide pedestrian through link will be home to a large graphic which maps Melton’s natural landscape reflecting themes from the story of Gurborra.

Told through symbols, a guide and explanation next to the graphic will share Gurborra’s story with the community.

Ferris Road bridge design

In collaboration with the Elders from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, the Ferris Road bridge design features elements inspired by the story of Gurborra.

This narrative guided the Ferris Road design, materials and landscaping elements to create visually engaging and educational community spaces that enhance the experience of your journey.

First Nations resting space

Next to the Ferris Road bridge and near Cobblebank Station car park will feature a First Nations Resting Space.

The area will include different motifs that represent elements of the story including:

• Gurborra (koala)
• Baan (water)
• Wurun (tree)
• Tarnuk (vessel)

The resting space will include seating and a mixture of trees and shrubs that would have grown on the volcanic plains.

We’re planting trees and shrubs of various ages, so you can expect them to gradually mature and fill out the space over time.