MEDIA RELEASE
ngurrak barring RidgeWalk Opens
Residents of Monbulk and visitors to the Dandenong Ranges can now experience ngurrak barring, a new arts and culture walking trail made possible through investment from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino MP joined Senator Lisa Darmanin, representatives from Yarra Ranges Council, community members and Traditional Owners to recognise the completion of the Yarra Ranges Council’s ngurrak barring RidgeWalk project at Grant’s Picnic Ground in Sherbrooke Forest.
The official opening acknowledged the strong partnership with Traditional Owners, with a Welcome to Country by Senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO, a Call to Country by Wurundjeri woman Chenile Chandler, and cultural contributions including didgeridoo/yidaki by Ganga Giri and a performance by the Djirri Djirri Dancers, sharing story, culture and connection to Country.
The project was supported by $2 million from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, alongside $2.5 million from the Commonwealth Government’s Community Development Grant, a further $1.8 million from the Commonwealth Regional Growth Fund, and $3.6 million from Yarra Ranges Council. Together, this investment has delivered a significant new arts, culture and recreation asset for Monbulk and surrounding communities.
The project has delivered a 39‑kilometre network of linked walking trails extending through the Dandenong Ranges. Other features include purpose‑built architectural elements, public artworks, storytelling signage, new pedestrian crossings and additional parking, improving access, safety and connectivity across the region.
Construction of the trail supported local employment opportunities, and the completed project now provides the community with a destination that encourages outdoor activity, celebrates local creativity and supports sustainable visitation throughout the year.
Since 2015, Yarra Ranges Council has received more than $31.5 million through the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund for 35 community projects, helping deliver substantial infrastructure investment across the municipality.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Fund has supported 370 projects across Victoria, representing a total investment of $1.33 billion and creating more than 11,300 jobs. For more information about the Growing Suburbs Fund, visit https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/growing-suburbs-fund
Quotes attributable to Daniela De Martino MP
“ngurrak barring has delivered a special place for the Monbulk community and surrounding towns, where locals and visitors alike can reflect and connect with culture and landscape for many years to come.”
“This incredible project shows how the Growing Suburbs Fund supports communities in our region with infrastructure that reflects local identity and needs.”
