As part of a refurbishment of Metro Trains Melbourne’s X’Trapolis trains, one special train is being adorned with a stunning piece of First Nations artwork.
The Xtrapolis mid-life refurbishment is being done on the oldest 29 trains in the fleet.
It includes:
- A refresh of the interior including repainting grab poles, seat frames and wheelchair ramp boxes.
- Deep clean of the train interior and steam clean of seat cushions
- Repair and repainting of the train body sides and application of new livery
- Hi visibility door decals for improved accessibility
This train in particular has been wrapped in Metro’s Reconciliation Action Plan artwork, Barring, which was created by Dixon Patten, a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man.
Barring means “Journey” in the Woi Wurrung language.
Patten’s artwork includes the links that join communities together, including familial, historical and physical connections.
It also includes representations and symbols that depict Bunjil the creator, MTM’s current footprint across Melbourne, its commitment to Reconciliation, gum leaves which are significant to Kulin people and shields which show the strength and resilience of Aboriginal people.
MTM’s trains move people every day through a landscape that holds the footprints and stories of thousands of generations of Aboriginal communities of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation.
The RAP livery is made of a new environmentally friendly Non-PVC Eco vinyl, and will be its first use in Melbourne.
The wrapped train will be visible on the network on the Mernda, Belgrave/Lilydale, Alamein, Glen Waverley, Hurstbridge, Werribee/Williamstown and Frankston lines.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, MTM has focussed further on raising awareness, building external relationships with First Nations Australians, driving employment outcomes, procuring from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses in Victoria and celebrating First Nations cultures, arts and stories on our network.
MTM chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said Metro was committed to shaping strong, respectful relationships and opportunities for First Nations Australians well into the future.
“Every day, our trains travel across the lands and through the communities of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation, and this beautiful artwork is one way we can pay our respects to them as the Traditional Owners,” he said.
