Making a positive contribution to social, cultural and community health and wellbeing.
The Birrarung (Yarra River) and surrounding environment is central to the identity of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung. We’re ensuring Indigenous culture and values are embedded across the North East Link Program.
Collaborating with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation has informed the program's design. An Indigenous architect was part of the team to translate Indigenous themes into design outcomes.
The pillars of Connection to Country, Caring for Country, and Connecting People have been applied across the North East Link Tunnels design, to embed cultural interpretation, language, history, and design solutions into the project.
Ventilation structures at Simpson Barracks and the Yarra Link green bridge take inspiration from traditional Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung eel traps. We'll also re-establish an Indigenous wetland and parkland along the eastern banks of the Yarra River.
Traditional Owners were also involved during the design and construction of Bulleen Park & Ride. The park and ride features a green roof with local indigenous plants.
The $10 million North East Community Fund has been set up to support local initiatives and projects while we build North East Link.
The fund supports projects big and small, bringing lasting community benefits to areas most impacted by construction.
In 2022, the first round of grants and partnerships was awarded to 50 community groups and organisations, sharing in over $1.6 million.
Funding will be used for festivals, events, upgrades to local facilities, sports facilities, tree planting and more.
There will be further rounds of grants and partnerships each year during construction of North East Link.
More than 20 schools, kindergartens and early learning centres near North East Link tunnelling works have also been gifted $50,000 of nursery vouchers to support more green spaces. The vouchers were procured through Yarra View and Bushland Flora Nursery – a local social enterprise that employs 135 staff, including 85 adults living with intellectual disability.