We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Mt Derrimut Road by elevating the rail line over the road and building a new Deer Park Station and bus interchange.

The Deer Park Station design has a deep historical connection to the local area and was developed in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners of the Country.

The ground around Deer Park Station was an important source of connection, trade and livelihood for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People, who continue to maintain a respectful, harmonious relationship with the land, that they call Country.

Storytelling is a vital part of Aboriginal culture and the station design brings Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung stories, culture and language to life and welcomes everyone on Country.

Layers of country

The station design is based on the ‘layers of Country’, a set of stories told by the Traditional Owners that recognise Bunjil the Great Creator Spirit, who usually takes the form of a wedge-tailed eagle, as the creator of all layers of Country. The stories tell tales of the landscape between the land and the sky as separate layers, each layer has meaning and purpose for the Traditional Owners.

• Biik-ut (Below Country) – basalt and quartz were sourced from this layer and used by Ancestors to make weapons, tools and small wells.
• Biik-dui and Baanj Biik (On Country and Water Country) – these layers include the land, water, animals and plants that provided shelter, food, goods to trade, burial places and more.
• Murnmut Biik and Wurru wurru Biik (Wind Country and Sky Country) –the layers that contain the wind and the stars, home to Ancestors and a guide to the changing seasons.
• Tharangalk Biik (Bunjil’s Forest Country above the clouds) –Bunjil’s home, from where he watches over all he has created.

The design, materials, landscaping and structural elements of the station have been selected to connect meaning fully with each layer of Country.

The curved canopy above the station reflects the outstretched wings of Bunjil, in a gesture of welcome and protection for all on Country.

The pillars that enclose the lift shafts, represent the layers of Country in a bold feature. From ground to top level, the geology, water, trees, sky and stars are symbolised.

The Yarning Circle located in the southern forecourt is a cultural meeting place for gathering and reflection.

The precinct landscaping and rooftop gardens on the station buildings will bring the surrounding area’s endangered volcanic plain grasslands into the station, with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers.

This unique and meaningful design combines modern architecture, culture and history to connect us to Country.

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and thank the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation for sharing stories of Country as part of their collaboration on the Deer Park Station and precinct design.