3 March 2023

We're removing the level crossing at Webb Street by building an elevated rail bridge over the road, making way for a new Narre Warren Station.

A new Narre Warren Station will be built as part of the level crossing removal, with modern facilities for the community.

The new Narre Warren Station and precinct design reflects the local area's rich history. The design was developed in collaboration with the Registered Aboriginal Party, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

Narre Warren was traditionally a pathway of travel from west to east, and from the water in the south. The area is known as a place of movement and coming together.

Storytelling is a vital part of First Nations culture and the station design brings Bunurong stories, culture and language to life and welcomes everyone on Country.

Connection to Country

The station design is based on the Stories of Country told by the Registered Aboriginal Party to recognise Narre Warren. The design, materials, landscaping and structural elements of the station and precinct have been selected to connect meaningfully with these Stories of Country.

A place of movement and coming together

Narre Warren was an important meeting place.

As well as being the main route for all travellers moving from west to east and from the south, Bunurong people would also come to the area to meet and trade before continuing their journey to the Dandenong Ranges to attend corroborees. The area was very rich in resources such as water, food and quartz to make stone tools.

A well-used track

With the Dandenong Ranges to the north and the marshes to the south, the area acted as a natural movement corridor, channelling the flow of water and people. The Bunurong people were travel guides on this well used track, helping people to navigate their way along the path. The rail line today closely follows the original track.

The legends of Budgeree Tom and Kurboroo

Bunurong Chief, Budgeree Tom, came from this landscape of hills and movement trails. Budgeree Tom was held in high esteem by other clans and colonial people. Known as a Magic Man, it is said he travelled all over the area and his footprints are left everywhere. Kurboroo, also a Magic Man of the area, was known to be feared by all. With an ability to talk to koalas, Kurboroo communicated with the koalas to locate lost people in the area.

Sketch of the 'wave' shape

The station stairs reflect how the area is an important place of movement and meeting. The distinct ‘wave’ shape and reflective finish of the stairways represents the flow of water and people throughout the area, welcoming travellers as they pass through.

Sketch of the precinct paving

Elements on the ground of the station precinct will reflect the winding track. Precinct paving is made up of materials from the area, and rocks and pebbles will be incorporated in the station pathways to represent a stream of footprints coming together. Native landscaping will also guide the precinct
paths, flowing through small moulded hills and retention basins.

Sketch of the 'pod' structures

‘Pod’ structures, such as seating and station rooms, are included throughout the base of the precinct. Pathways between the pods create winding tracks for people to follow.

Integrated art will also feature in the Narre Warren Station precinct.

View the PDF

Webb Street, Narre Warren \u2013 Traditional Owner design collaboration fact sheet (PDF 1.5 MB)