Darebin Creek now has a lookout with an Aboriginal mosaic pavement and native trees on the south side of the Childs Road bridge.
Earlier this month, we inaugurated the new rest area with the Wurundjeri Elders, the students and teachers of Lalor North Secondary college and the families of Mill Park.
“We are here today to give the Darebin Creek Lookout back to the community - a great legacy piece for the Childs Road Upgrade that we completed last year”, said Dipal Sorathia, MRPV Program Director. “This legacy project celebrates our connection with the environment and cultural heritage of Darebin Creek”.
During the Welcome to Country, Aunty Julienne and Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross reminded us of the customs and traditions of the Wurundjeri people and the spectacular landscape of Darebin creek across millennia. "Along the river, there are a lot of places of significance, from scarred trees, artefact scatters, and other significant elements that represent and show our continued connection with the landscape," said Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross. Then, they proceeded with a smoking ceremony and invited those present around the burning dish to join the ritual by walking through the smoke. “What a pleasure it has been for the last two years working on this legacy initiative with Major Road Projects Victoria. Thank you to everybody!” said Aunty Julienne.
Aunty Julienne and Uncle Dave, and Darebin Creek Management Committee, last year helped us create an educational activity that increased the connections of Lalor North Secondary College students with the places in which they live. On that day, the students set out on a walking tour along Darebin Creek to learn more about its flora and fauna and how they were used when the Wurundjeri people managed the land. They also investigated waterbugs and learned about the various species to understand more about the correlation between waterbug presence and water quality.
At the opening of the rest area, the school band performed Aboriginal songs to show their relationship with the Aboriginal culture and other tunes to animate the celebration. MP Bronwyn Halfpenny planted a gum tree with the students to symbolise our sensitivity towards the Creek.
Cyclists and pedestrians were also there to enjoy the surrounding reserve now that the Darebin Creek Trial is safely linked with the new bridge underpass. The festival continued throughout the day with food and entertainment for families.
The Darebin Creek Lookout is the legacy project of the Childs Road Upgrade. By opening a new space near the bridge, Darebin Creek Lookout legacy project brings locals and visitors a new perspective to enjoy Darebin Creek's environment and cultural heritage. The space includes seating, a drinking fountain and dog water bowl and a bike repair station. The mosaic on the pavement is an Aboriginal artwork made by Aboriginal artist Ashley Firebrace and features the ancient movements and campsites of the Wurundjeri-balluk and Wurundjeri-willam clans along Darebin Creek. Around the pavement, we planted red ironbark trees, which was the community’s choice among options for native species identified in collaboration with the City of Whittlesea and the Darebin Creek Management Committee. We also reused recycled timbers and rocks that had been removed as part of the road project construction.
Major Road Projects Victoria implements legacy initiatives across Victoria to create long-lasting effects beyond improving road infrastructures. We work directly with local communities to strengthen the connection between people and places and support local development and growth.
