Viewing and understanding themes represented through these works develops our community’s broader understanding, appreciation and acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land. The creation of these works has allowed for artists to share stories of Dreaming, Cultures, histories and the impact of colonisation. Their stories offer a path to reconciliation and truth telling, understanding, respect, relationships and healing.
The Knox Yarning Circle was constructed in 2022 and included in this trail as a destination for reflection, contemplation and a space to listen to Country.
Several of the artworks in this trail were made possible through the Ferntree Gully Creative Placemaking Plan and Beautify Boronia project, delivered by Knox City Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.
This trail is a 16 km round trip and suitable for driving.
Public Transport Victoria info: These can be reached and are closest to Ferntree Gully Train Station, Bayswater Train Station and Boronia Train Station.
1. Connecting to Place, Connection to People mural, 2020
- Artists: Carmen Davies and James Beattie (aka DVATE).
- Location: Bayswater Station, 750 Mountain Hwy, Bayswater. Pedestrian underpass.
This mural was commissioned by the Victorian Government Level Crossing Removal Authority for the Mountain Highway underpass. Project managed by Carmen Davies and DVATE in collaboration with First Nations artists Adam Magennis (Bunurong), Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri) and Marbee and Ngarra Williams (Boonwurrung Wiradjuri). The artist’s mentored local school children from Bayswater Secondary College to create the mural and learn more about First Nations culture and history.
2. Systems of Knowledge #1 mural, 2022
- Artist: Kent Morris
- Location: 217 Dorset Road, Boronia and flagpole site, located on Dorset Road near intersection of Boronia Road.
Through a First Nations lens, Kent Morris (Barkindji) reveals the continuing presence and patterns of Aboriginal history, culture and knowledge in the contemporary Australian landscape. The interaction of native birds with the built environment reflects resilience, adaption, continuity and change to ecological systems, reflecting on the ways in which First Nations culture survives and adapts.
3. New-Natural murals, 2024
- Artists: David Lee-Pereira and Amina Briggs (Boonwurrung/Ugar/Erub)
- Location: 46 Station Street, Ferntree Gully.
Amina Briggs has painted traditional Boonwurrung diamond symbols alongside David Lee-Pereira’s maidenhair fern, endemic to the Dandenong Ranges. Plastic zip ties, scattered amongst the foliage are used to represent the impact of humans on the natural landscape. Waa, the Australian Raven is depicted as the protector of the waterways, represented here as the train network, in conflict over a worm (train) that embodies the Boonwurrung people’s entanglement with an ever-evolving environment. The raven’s intense competition signifies an urgency to secure sustenance in a changing environment that values plastic over the importance of native bird life.
4. Deep Respect and Connection to Country mural, 2024
- Artist: Grace Brown (Wurundjeri).
- Location: 77-79 Station Street, Ferntree Gully (Yooralla building).
An enchanting exploration of the vibrant animal and plant life in Ferntree Gully, revealing the creatures that come alive at day and night. By highlighting the nocturnal and diurnal inhabitants, the work pays homage to the significance of these animals in the lives of the Wurundjeri people and the local community. The work features, Bunjil the Creator, the iconic Lyrebird, with its mesmerising calls, and the lush ferns, symbolic of the region's rich biodiversity. All serve as powerful symbols linking people to the natural beauty of their surroundings. Grace’s work is a testament to the intertwined relationship between the Wurundjeri people and the captivating flora and fauna that define the region.
5. Perspectives on Place: Bunjil Way sculpture, 2012
- Artists: Uncle Bill Nicholson, Benjamin Gilbert, Xavier Pinard and James Simon
- Location: Bunjil Way, Knoxfield.
The majestic Bunjil, the Wurundjeri ancestral wedge-tailed eagle and creator spirit, towers over the underpass and can also be viewed from the walking track above. The sculpture was created by Uncle Bill Nicholson, Benjamin Gilbert, Xavier Pinard and James Simon and is made from welded stainless steel and sits high on a pole watching over the land he created.
6. Perspectives on Place: Bunjil Way mural, 2012
- Artists: Judy Nicholson with support from Uncle Bill Nicholson, Jeanette Jennings and James McFadyen
- Location: Bunjil Way, Knoxfield.
Perspectives on Place: Bunjil Way Mural tells the story of Bunjil the eagle. It was created by Wurundjeri artist Judy Nicholson who led the project in 2012 with support from Uncle Bill Nicholson and assistance from artists Jeanette Jennings and James McFadyen, and participation from middle school students at St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully.
7. Connection to Country mural, 2022
- Artists: Kamara Morgan (YortaYorta/GunaiKurnai/Dja Dja Wurrung/Boonwurrung/Taungurung)
- Location: Knox Library, Westfield Shopping Centre, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South.
A central meeting place features in Morgan’s ceiling work, where symbolism depicts people coming together to collaborate and share stories. The meeting place within the artwork represents not only the library itself, but also its profound connection to the land and its people - the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong and Wurundjeri, the custodians of the Kulin Nations' ancestral territory. The lines extending outward from this central point symbolise the intricate web of connections, speaking of the library's commitment to honouring and acknowledging indigenous heritage. This project was supported by Narrm based creative agency, Little Rocket.
8. Yarning Circle sculpture, 2022
- Artists: Knox City Council guided by conversations with the local First Nations community and Senior Wurundjeri Elder Dave Wandin
- Location: Outside east side of the Knox Civic Centre at 511 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South.
In 2022, Knox City Council constructed a Yarning Circle in the garden area at the Civic Centre. Guided by conversations with the local First Nations community and Senior Wurundjeri Elder Dave Wandin, the yarning circle was designed as a practical and symbolic space for listening, learning, truth telling, healing and a visual Acknowledgement of Country.
Design was encouraged by Senior Wurundjeri Elder Uncle David Wandin, the three seating sections are a note of respect to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Council established in 1985. The stones remember the three family groups that founded the Council: the Nevins, Terricks and Wandins.
