“My inspiration comes from William Barak. I want people to see the work and recognise Wurundjeri. It is representative of who we are and where we come from. My designs tell of Country, people and place. They speak of custodianship.”
Lewis Wandin-Bursill, artist
The artwork etched into the terraces at Town Hall Station tells the story of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples’ custodianship of Country since time immemorial. Caring for Country is ancestral knowledge passed on through generations. It is a way of knowing, being and doing.
The distinctive diamonds featured in the artwork tell the story of the great Ngurungaeta (leader) of the Wurundjeri, William Barak. Barak was a renowned activist, artist, educator, cultural ambassador, negotiator and advocate for his people and is the artist’s direct ancestor. Used in Barak’s own carvings, the diamond shape remains a powerful symbol for all Wurundjeri people. It represents the strength, resilience and protection of Wurundjeri Country, people and culture.
The artwork includes the following statement in Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, and its English translation:
“Welcome friends. Together we honour Wurundjeri Country, people, and our ancestors. We are still here.
We understand and care for Country. Country is sacred.
We ask you to listen deeply to Country with love.”
As you view this work, take a moment to pause, listen with care, and reflect on how you, too, can honour and respect this land and its living history.
This artwork has been developed with the curatorial support of Murrup Biik Public Art.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders and representatives from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation have contributed to the development of this Connection to Country opportunity as part of the Metro Tunnel Project.