Construction will soon begin on a new rest area acknowledging Epping-Mill Park’s rich indigenous heritage and is expected to be used by many in the community, when it opens later this year.
The Darebin Creek Lookout will be built in the coming months as part of the Childs Road Upgrade, with the centrepiece to be an paved Aboriginal mosaic recently selected by the area’s Indigenous Elders, with the help of locals.
Once complete, the area will link new walking and cycling paths, from the recently opened bridge to the Darebin Creek Trail below. These shared use paths are currently under construction. A drinking fountain and seating – largely using recycled natural materials from the local area – will complete the space.
In addition to building the rest area, we are working closely with local Aboriginal Elders and the Darebin Creek Management Committee to create aboriginal educational initiatives with Lalor North Secondary College, giving students the chance to learn about the cultural heritage and environment in which they live.
The wider community also gets the opportunity to participate, with some family events planned for the end of the year.
The new rest area will hopefully give not only students, but all locals and visitors a new perspective on Darebin Creek – highlighting the natural environment and cultural heritage, celebrating First Nations cultures and their connection within the urban landscape.
In March, Epping and Mill Park locals had their say on which of 3 aboriginal artworks they would like to see be brought to life in the form of a mosaic pavement, that will be the centrepiece of the community space.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders had the final say on the selection, choosing option 1 of a series of artworks collectively known as “Meeting Place”, produced by the Aboriginal Artist Ashley Firebrace.
The selected design tells the story of ancient movements and campsites of the Wurundjeri-balluk and Wurundjeri-willam clans who lived on Darebin Creek.
Members of the community also got to have their say on what type of tree would be planted in the new urban space, with the Red Ironbark emerging as a clear choice. The native species was identified in collaboration with the City of Whittlesea and the Darebin Creek Management Committee.
Prevalent in this part of Melbourne, the red ironbark has thick, rough ironbark on the trunk and branches, and lance-shaped adult leaves.
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| Indigenous design option 1 | Red ironbark tree |
We're continuing to work closely with Wurundjeri Willum traditional owners on the design of the gathering and rest area near the Childs Road bridges and how it will draw on the stories of how their ancestors used Darebin Creek and surrounds.
It is anticipated that the Darebin Creek Lookout will be completed later this year, in time for summer.
The Childs Road Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and is due for completion by early next year.
With works on the Childs Road Upgrade continuing over winter, motorists are asked to plan their journey. For more information about planned disruptions over winter visit our Disruptions map.