Symbols important to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung culture are featured along a new road bridge in the Melbourne suburb of Ardeer and connect community to Country, installed as part of level crossing removal works.
The level crossing at Fitzgerald Road was removed in July this year, six months ahead of schedule, by building a new road bridge over the rail line.
Fiona Clarke, a Kirrae Whurrong artist, designed the artwork displayed on screens along the new Fitzgerald Road bridge and shared use path, in consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders.
Symbols similar to those used on Kulin Nation shields (drunmung) appear on the screens across the new bridge, symbolically protecting commuters from harm.
“The [Kulin Nation] shields on the screens have meaning, they are a safety thing — that an Aboriginal person might use to protect themselves. They have the same essence here, protecting people when they are driving,” Clarke said.
The pattern on the retaining walls near Forrest Street was inspired by stone artefacts found along the banks of Kororoit Creek, while other symbols include clap sticks – traditional ceremonial instruments, emu feathers and eels.
A special feature of the design is the interplay with light, an effect that was intentionally created by the artist.
When light shines through the holes in the panels at different times of the day, it casts different shadows on the balustrade and on the ground, at times infusing the artwork with a special glow.
“It’s fantastic really to have that happening here, to be connected with the land, and for my connections with the ancestors, it’s like having it on a big stage, like the T20,” Clarke said. “It’s wonderful how that’s happened here at Fitzgerald Road in Melbourne.”
An artist for over 30 years, Clarke depicts her Aboriginal culture through tapestry, painting and public art.
The new section of the Western Ring Road shared use path is now open, creating better walking and cycling connections in the west.
The nearby level crossing at Robinsons Road in Deer Park was removed in September, months ahead of the 2023 commitment, by building a new road underpass and rail bridge.
The removal of these level crossings has reduced travel times, improved safety and traffic flow, and created better local connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
Works will continue until the end of the year to plant more than 250,000 trees, shrubs and grasses at Fitzgerald and Robinsons roads.
Over the coming months there will also be overnight closures at Robinsons Road to complete the new underpass and install permanent traffic signalling.
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