Darebin Parklands Public Art Project
DAREBIN PARKLANDS PUBLIC ART PROJECT
(QCT 1266)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST BRIEF
1. INTRODUCTION
As part of its ongoing Art in Public Places Program, the City of Darebin is commissioning a public artwork for the Darebin Parklands.
The Art in Public Places Program utilises a process through which the community can have input into the design of their local environment and contribute to the creation of public art works which reflect local identity, encourage a sense of pride and express the unique qualities of their neighbourhood.
Phase 1 of the program focused on installing an art work in each of Darebin’s precincts. Consequently, this has led to the installation of Public Art in the precincts of Reservoir, Westgarth, East Preston, Preston, Fairfield, Thornbury and Bundoora.
The program has also led to the creation and installation of sculptural artworks at All Nations Park in Northcote.
Phase 2 of the program (of which this project is part) focuses on Civic buildings, major ‘gateways’ to the municipality and public open spaces. The Preston Civic Forecourt Public Art Project was part of Phase 2 and the Reservoir/Northern Gateway Public Art Project, also part of Phase 2, is close to completion. The Darebin Parklands Project is part of Phase 2.
The Art in Public Places programme is based on Beyond FIDO. Darebin City Council Public Art Strategy 2006 – 2015, Council’s policy on public art. This is available from Vicky Tsaconas, Arts and Cultural Development Branch, phone: 8470 8598 or by email via [email protected] and at http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/page/Download.asp?name=Beyond_FIDO_Darebin_Ci ty_Council_Public_Art_Strategy.pdf&size=1096539&link=../Files/Beyond_FIDO_Dare bin_City_Council_Public_Art_Strategy.pdf
This Brief is the outcome of extensive consultation with community members who frequent the Darebin Parklands and, or, are actively engaged in its conservation (see “Groups Consulted” in Appendix 3 and “Notes from Community Consultation” in Appendix 4).
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2. BACKGROUND
Location
Darebin commences approximately 4kms to the north of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) and extends a further 10kms to the north. It borders the Cities of Yarra to the south, Whittlesea to the north, Moreland to the west and Banyule to the east.
The Darebin Parklands are located in an area that includes both Alphington and Ivanhoe, approximately 10 kilometres northeast of the City of Melbourne. They form a district park covering an area of thirty three (33) hectares.
The City of Darebin covers approximately 53 square kilometres. With over 128, 000 residents and 55,000 properties, it contains one of the largest and most diverse communities in the State. The City includes the established and historic suburbs of Northcote, Alphington, Fairfield, Thornbury, and extends to Preston, Reservoir, and the recently developed areas of Kingsbury and Bundoora North East Growth Corridor.
Alphington
Alphington is an established residential and industrial area. It is bounded by Darebin Road in the north, Darebin Creek in the east, Heidelberg Road in the south, and Fairfield Road, the railway line and Grange Road in the west. Part of the suburb of Alphington is located in the City of Yarra. Alphington is named after a village in Devon, England. Settlement of the area dates from the early 1840s, with land used mainly for farming and market gardening. Population was minimal until the 1850s. Growth took place from the 1880s into the early 1900s, aided by the opening of the railway line and factories. Expansion continued during the interwar period. Significant development occurred from the post-war years, particularly during the 1970s. The population has increased slightly since the mid 1990s, a result of new dwellings being added to the area.
Darebin Parklands
The Darebin Parklands is one of Melbourne’s hidden gems and continues to offer visitors a sense of discovery. The Parklands have many walking paths, bike paths, walking tracks and places to admire a view or ‘meditate’ in a secluded bushland setting. The Parklands also includes barbeque facilities, public toilets, two lookouts and the Environment Centre.
In 2008 the Darebin Creek Management Committee prepared a Masterplan for Darebin the Parklands in consultation with stakeholders and the community. This Plan guides the design, development and management of the parklands for the next twenty years. The Masterplan can be accessed at http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/Files/Darebin_Parklands_Masterplan.pdf
The Darebin Creek Management Committee (DCMC) with the support of Darebin, Banyule and Whittlesea Councils employs rangers to manage the Darebin Parklands. DCMC is based at the Environment Centre in Separation Street Alphington. As well as managing the Parklands the rangers conduct environmental education and provide tours for visitor groups. See below under: Education. For further information visit: www.dcmc.org.au
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The Darebin Parklands is also supported by the friends group, the Darebin Parklands Association. Today, this Association has approximately three hundred members of which half are Junior Rangers – encouraging younger residents to care for the park. Many of the Association’s members are actively involved in the Parklands, attending regular Park Care Days and special events. The Park Care Days, held four times a year to plant, propagate and clean up the park. Other special events such as picnic races and bonfire nights attract hundreds of visitors. For further information visit: www.dpa.org.au.
History
The Parklands have a rich history as the homeland of the Wurundjeri Willam people and for cattle and sheep grazing, orchard and market garden use post European settlement. The southern section of the Darebin Parklands was developed as a bluestone quarry in1890 and following the closure of the quarry in 1965, the land was leased to Northcote Council as a municipal garbage tip which reached its capacity by 1975. In the 1970’s the site was marked as a potential freeway or an area for industrial or residential development. Following this classification, local residents moved to protect the area and in 1973, formed the Rockbeare Park Conservation Group. The group pushed for the acquisition of land on the Alphington side and in 1975 the Whitlam Government funded the purchase of land for the park. A management committee was formed which included both adjoining Councils and community representatives.
A detailed history is contained in Appendix 2.
Significant Features
The Leachate Ponds
The landfill operations during the time when the Parklands was a municipal tip caused leachate problems and resulting contamination of the Darebin Creek. To counteract this, a refined system of filtration was designed which is unique to the Darebin Parklands. An aeration tower as a biofilter in conjunction with several pondages, treats the water whilst a significant amount of underground pipework and a pumping system have been installed to prevent contaminated water from entering the Darebin Creek.
Spiritual Healing Trail
The Spiritual Healing Trail is a key cultural and environmental feature of the Parklands. It is a gift from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community as a gesture of reconciliation. It aims to promote personal good health by improving people’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing and a sense of connection to the land.
For details see the brochure Darebin Parklands Spiritual Healing Trail, developed by the Darebin Aboriginal Reconciliation Working Party, the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri people, the Darebin and Banyule Councils and Darebin Creek Management Committee, available at the entrance to the Parklands. Discovery Trail
Another trail known as the Discovery Trail, funded by Vic Health, Darebin and Banyule Councils was installed in 2006. This trail invites visitors to tour the history, geological and natural features of the Parklands without the guidance of a Ranger or
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Environmental Conservation
The environmental conservation significance of the Parklands is one of the most important values of the landscape. The habitats which occur within the Parklands are highly modified, however their conservation value is considerable.
The Parklands play an important role as part of the Darebin Creek and Yarra River’s linear habitat corridor. The Parklands’ indigenous vegetation supports native wildlife, reptiles and possums.
The Ivanhoe wetland is an important habitat and revegetation area. Located on the City of Banyule side of the Parklands, the wetland is an important habitat for frogs and various waterfowl as well as being an important site for environmental education.
There are over fifty species of birds living in the Parklands. Many of these are resident species and use the Parklands for breeding whilst others are migratory birds.
As urban development to Melbourne’s northern suburbs continues, there is evidence that displaced animals find refuge within the Parklands.
An important heritage feature of the Parklands is the avenue of Mulberry trees. The avenue was once part of the Cobb and Co wagon track. In suitable conditions Mulberry Trees are able to live for 800 years. The olive grove nearby is an equally important heritage element.
Education
Education is an important function of the Parklands. It is a ‘living classroom’ where activities, tours and talks developed by the DCMC are presented. The Environmental Education Program aims to foster practical skills and knowledge whilst meeting outcomes stated within the curriculum. The education programs are provided as a free service. Every year, thousands of students, from primary school to tertiary students, corporate groups and members of the community come to the Parklands to learn about the local fauna, flora, geology, history and environment. A new classroom has recently been installed on site and fitted out to better accommodate the students.
For further details about the Parklands, see the brochure Darebin Parklands – Bushland in Suburbia, developed by VicHealth and the City of Darebin.
Community Characteristics
General
Darebin is home to a culturally diverse population. Almost a third of Darebin’s residents were born in a non-English-speaking country, and approximately 40% of the population speak a language other than English at home.
Darebin is also home to a wide range of religious groups. It has more than twice the Melbourne average proportion of Orthodox Christians, and the fifth highest proportion of Muslims in Victoria with 4.2% and the sixth highest number of Muslims in the state.
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The City has the second highest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders of any municipality in Victoria and the highest number in metropolitan Melbourne with over 1,000 Indigenous people.
Although the municipality is experiencing increasing affluence, a significant number of Darebin residents live in poverty.
In addition, people with disabilities form a significant group in the City’s community
Alphington
Close to a quarter of Alphington residents are twenty-five years of age and under and approximately 15% are aged 65 years and over
Almost a quarter of Alphington residents were born overseas, and most of the overseas-born were from a non-English speaking country. Most of the people born in non-English background countries were born in Greece. Approximately 21% of Alphington residents speak a non-English language, most of those speak Greek.
Approximately two thirds of Alphington residents are employed, the majority of them as professionals.
Alphington has a larger proportion of high income households (compared with the rest of Darebin) but a smaller proportion of low income households (compared with the rest of Darebin).
3. THE PUBLIC ART WORK/S
Scope
Expressions of interest are sought from artists and art-based collaborative teams for the design and construction of a Sculptural Artwork reflecting elements of the themes as outlined below.
The work should aim to provide a single landmark or a group of visible markers in the landscape.
The work should be an original and innovative statement that is unique and distinctive to the City of Darebin.
The selected artist/team will need to ensure that the work/s will be artistically unique, well crafted, and made of durable, high quality materials suitable for the weather conditions. The work should be designed to require minimal maintenance.
Location
The artwork will be placed in the Darebin Parklands, west of the Darebin Creek, on the side within the City of Darebin.
Site
Artists are to select one site only for an art work or series of art works. The sites are indicated on the map in Appendix 1.
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1. Base of Mt Puffalo (a small artificially-created hill close to the centre of the Parklands), to the west
2. Next to the top pond, north of Mt. Puffalo
A site tour has been organised for:
10.30am, Wednesday, July 6.
Meet at Separation Street entrance.
Artists who are intending to submit an Expression of Interest are strongly advised to attend this site tour. Artists who are intending to submit an Expression of Interest but are unable to attend this tour, are strongly advised to visit the location to view the sites prior to submitting an Expression of Interest.
For detailed information about the site, artists can contact Vicky Tsaconas on 8470 8598.
Themes
In style, the work will reflect or make reference to the following themes that emerged during the community consultation:
• a conservation bushland that is close to the city; • the history of the park and the still-visible layers of its evolution; • a home for often-hidden wild-life; • a sense of peacefulness and spaciousness pervades – a meditative place where many people go, yet do not always come across other people and where often, there are ‘hidden’ places to discover; and • education – a place where people of all ages, particularly school-age children, come to learn about and experience the natural environment.
Community Input
Members of the community have participated in the project in a number of ways, including:
¾ participation in the community consultation phase; ¾ involvement in the Reference Group (whose role was to refine the information collated during the community consultation stage in order to integrate it into the Artists’ Brief); and ¾ involvement in the Selection Panel (whose role is to participate in the selection process).
It is thought that by involving the community in the project in these ways, their sense of “ownership” of the project will be strengthened and their knowledge will contribute to the creation of an art work that is imbued with a sense of meaning specifically related to the City of Darebin and its civic precinct.
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Conditions
The work will need to be constructed from durable materials suitable for exterior conditions and compatible with the sensitive conservation of the parkland environment.
The materials should require minimal maintenance in normal weather conditions.
It is essential that the work should not present any risk or hazard to public safety.
Budget
A budget of $70,000 (plus GST) has been allocated for this commission.
This should include:
all material costs (including for the footings) all artists’ fees commission for artists’ dealers or representatives (where applicable) engineering and/ or computation services all integral components insurance for the completion of construction, transport costs and installation of the art work.
Insurance
Artists and any assistants working on the project will need to have their own Public Liability insurance to the value of twenty million dollars (20 million), and must have proof of such.
Artists must meet all industrial requirements.
Practical Considerations
1. The artwork will need to be sympathetic to the conservation issues and environmental concerns of the Parklands; 2. The scale, form, materials of the artwork will need to be compatible with the sensitive conservation of the parkland environment; 3. The art piece needs to be located on top of, and fixed to, a concrete slab/footing in accordance with professional engineering advice; 4. The art piece must not interfere with pedestrian circulation through the area; 5. The art piece must meet all relevant performance and safety standards, in particular, the risk of “climb-ability”; 6. The artwork must be of robust/hard-wearing material, which blend with the environment and require minimal maintenance; 7. The art work will need to be constructed from environmentally sustainable materials; 8. The artwork may be (but does not necessarily need to be) functional; and 9. The art work may enhance and, or contribute to, the opportunities for learning that are an integral part of the Parklands.
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Specific Considerations
Darebin City Council encourages artists to consider the Indigenous aspects of the themes (including both the Indigenous cultural heritage of Darebin and the more recent history and contemporary presence of Indigenous people in the municipality).
If artists are interested in incorporating Indigenous symbols into the art work, they will need to consult with the Darebin Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Community Council.
Darebin City Council supports the sensitive and appropriate treatment of the artistic and cultural material (e.g. visual symbols) of the diverse cultures represented in Darebin by artists not from those cultures.
4. THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST AND COMMISSIONING PROCESS
The Commissioning Body
The commissioning body is Darebin City Council.
Project Management
The Project Manager is the City of Darebin’s Arts and Cultural Development Branch.
Requirements
Expressions of Interest should include:
1. A short description of the proposed work covering the concept, design, materials and process of production. This should include: • no more than four drawings (no larger than A3 in size) • a supplementary written response (no more than two A4 pages) • an explanation of the design, including the medium and materials to be utilised. Designs need to demonstrate that they relate to the site and themes as expressed in this Brief and how they do this. All designs are Copyright and are the property of the artist/s.
2. If a group of artists is applying, please detail the division of responsibility for each artist. 3. A resume or explanation of skills and experience from each artist applying, (whether applying individually or in a group). 4. The names and contact details of two referees (preferably with experience in the field of public art commissioning). 5. Photographs (no more than ten) and/or descriptions of recent work.
Council is required to keep a copy of all Expressions of Interest. If artists would like their photographic folio or other material returned please include a photocopied version as well as the original and specify that you would like the
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original submission returned. This needs to be written clearly on their Expressions of Interest.
The Aim of Expressions of Interest
The aim of the Expressions of Interest is to enable the Selection Panel to assess the artists’: • ability to communicate ideas or design concepts clearly; • ability to present a practical design in keeping with the spirit of the location; • originality and general inventiveness; and • ability to complete a public art commission.
The intention is not to choose a final design but to short-list artists for the Commissioning Process.
The Commissioning Process
If invited to tender, the artist/s will be asked to attend an information session prior to submitting a maquette and other necessary documentation.
Artists who have been invited to tender will be paid a fee of $1,000 (+GST) to submit a maquette and a complete budget including an installation schedule.
The budget allocation must include all project costs, including materials, installation, artist fees, engineer’s services and insurance. It must also include the cost of any changes to the existing fabric of the site. The budget allocation for this commission is $70,000 – this is in addition to the tender fees.
Submitting an Expression of Interest
Expressions of Interest clearly marked "Darebin Parklands Public Art Project" should be placed in the Tender Box, BY 4.00PM, Thursday, July 14 2011
Special Notes
• Expressions of Interest may be posted to “Tender Box”, City of Darebin, PO Box 91, Preston, 3072 and clearly marked “Darebin Parklands Public Art Project”.
Council accepts no responsibility for items sent through the post, by courier, or by any other similar means, and cannot guarantee that any such items will be placed in the Tender Box either by the time or date for lodging tenders. It is recommended you allow at least four (4) working days for delivery.
• Materials submitted as part of the Expression of Interest must fit in the Tender Box. The slot on the Tender Box is 60 cm by 5 cm.
• The Tender Box is closed and locked at exactly 4pm on the day of the close of tender. There is NO possibility or opportunity for a late submission to be accepted.
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Project Timelines
Expressions of Interest close July 14, 2011 Artists invited to tender late July 2011 Information session for artists invited to tender early August 2011 Tender closing date late August, 2011 Commission awarded early September 2011 Works commence early September 2011 Estimated completion and installation of works December 2012
Further Information
For further information, contact Vicky Tsaconas, Arts and Cultural Development, telephone: 8470 8598 (Monday -Thursday) or email [email protected]
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APPENDIX 1
SITES
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APPENDIX 2
HISTORY OF THE DAREBIN PARKLANDS
The land which is now referred to as Darebin Parklands has had an interesting history - from Wurundjeri habitat, to European farmland, to a quarry and then a municipal tip. The Parklands is now gradually being nurtured back into a natural bushland where indigenous creatures are encouraged to live in harmony with local users.
Geology
The Darebin Parklands is geologically divided, with two main landforms clearly evident. To the east the park is dominated by 430 million-year-old sedimentary rock of the Silurian period.
The sandstone and mudstone layers were created successively in ancient seas and pushed up slowly, raising them above current sea levels.
On the western side, the landforms are dominated by 800,000 year old volcanic based quaternary basalt created when enormous quantities of lava flowed from several volcanoes from the Beveridge area north of Melbourne to the ancient Yarra River.
The geologically interesting landforms of the park represent the violent changes this area has undergone over time.
Aboriginal Habitation
The Wurundjeri willam people, one of eight clans of the Woiworung language group, are the traditional owners of the lands and waterways in the area now known as Darebin. The Wurundjeri clan have cared for this land through many millennia. The Darebin Creek and its environs was a highly productive food source and the Wurundjeri people moved seasonally through the area so as not to deplete the food resources. They extracted basalt and silcrete in order to make a range of tools. They believed that Bunjil created Darebin Creek and the surrounding bushland, and is the creator of people, land, laws and language and takes the form of an eagle.
European Settlers
In 1837 Government surveyor Robert Hoddle named the land east of the Darebin Creek (Ivanhoe) Keelbundoora, and to the west Jika Jika. They were both Aboriginal names. European settlers started arriving around 1838 and started to farm this land, using it for dairy farming and market gardens. Thomas Bear established a vineyard and orchard which was damaged by severe flooding in 1863. In 1880 John Adams purchased the area west of Darebin Creek as a farm, grazing cattle and establishing an orchard. Mulberry, quince, plum and olive trees planted at this time are still alive today and are a significant feature of the parkland. Pine Trees that line the ridge up into Ivanhoe in Rockbeare Park mark the track of the old Cobb and Co coach route to Heidelberg and beyond.
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Bluestone Quarry
A bluestone quarry commenced in 1890 in the southern section of the Parklands, to the west of the creek, and approximately 6 million tons of bluestone was quarried over 75 years.
Municipal Tip Site
Northcote Council then leased the land from 1965 to 1975 as a municipal tip site. Many people remember the deep pit where Northcote’s garbage was discarded over these years. While the tip was operational, the surrounding land was used for horse agistment and generally became weed infested and degraded.
Potential Freeway Site
In the 1970’s the Country Roads Board marked the site as a potential freeway whilst others thought it as a prime area for industrial or residential development. When the Board of Works began removing trees along the Darebin Creek, local residents saw the potential of the Creek and the remnant native vegetation and actively began to protect the area.
Rockbeare Park Conservation Group
In 1973 the Rockbeare Park Conservation Group, forerunner to the current Darebin Parklands Assocation, was formed and campaigned for the creation of a bushland reserve. The group soon expanded their vision beyond the initial aim to restore the six hectares of land on the Ivanhoe side of the Creek and pushed for the acquisition of privately owned land on the Alphington side.
In 1975 the Whitlam Government funded the purchase of land for the park which was followed by the City of Northcote (now Darebin City Council) and the Hamer State Government, two years later. Northcote joined the neighbouring City of Heidelberg (now Banyule City Council) to form a management committee which included Council and community representatives.
Darebin Creek Management Committee
In 1979 the Darebin Parklands Committee of Management joined with the Darebin Creek Co-ordinating Committee to form the Darebin Creek Management Committee, with the City of Whittlesea also joining the group.
The Committee aims to ensure the preservation, restoration, environmental protection and ecologically sensitive development and maintenance of the Darebin Creek Linear Park, with a long term goal of securing a linear park with significant recreation and conservation values.
The formation of the Darebin Parklands Association
Since the formation of the Rockbeare Park Conservation Group, the Darebin Parklands has led the way in community backed environmental reclamation, activism and management. Now called the Darebin Parklands Association, it is one of the oldest and largest community environment groups in Australia.
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APPENDIX 3
THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PHASE
The process
The first part of the project involved consulting local community groups and individuals who either reside in or have a strong connection to the area. More than 100 people were consulted for this project.
Groups consulted
Darebin Parklands Staff Darebin Parklands Association Darebin U3A (university of the third age) Alphingtones community choir Fairfield Senior Citizen’s Club Alphington Primary School Aboriginal Elders (including a Wurundjeri elder)
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APPENDIX 4
NOTES FROM COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Alphingtones Choir
Why does the park need art? We haven’t decided it needs art. Art could destroy the park. I love the idea of art as a gateway. Art as Gateways sounds okay. The walk down the bike path is interesting and then it suddenly ends. It would be fantastic to include interpretation suggested in the master plan. The ‘waterfall’ is magic – the water is pumped up from the ground – the effect is wonderful. Making the art something which is indicated in the master plan sounds okay. Which parts of the park is public land? Which parts are privately owned land? I feel nervous not knowing where I can walk. There is so much history about the park which needs interpreting - so that everyone can find out and understand. The Olive Trees are the first Olive trees in Australia. There were two Farms here – first one and then the other. There was a farm here before the Quarry. The Mulberry Trees are the oldest in Victoria. Kids coming down to the park to bring silkworms to the mulberry trees. We need to think very carefully about the sort of art we have in the park – making sure it fits right into it. We need to make the park more ‘natural’ But it has not been ‘natural’ for years – it was a farm, a quarry then a tip. It is a very controversial place – everyone feels that they own it – strong ownership of the park by everyone.
Could we have art on the rock wall? The rock wall was part of the quarry.
Art as an Entry Way – it could be designed so that it gives people the idea of what to expect inside the park. – it could reflect the special bushland and the park’s identity.
There could be some art at Alphington Station – you have arrived at the Station which is nearest to the Darebin Parklands.
What about art near the reflection pool? – that is a beautiful place.
Fairfield Senior Citizens Club
A club member was taken to the Darebin Parklands by her son and his wife when she first moved down from Bairnsdale – 12 years ago. Her son and wife walk their dog there nearly every day.
It is a lovely park – the ‘natural’ trees, birds and animals are all there. It is great to sit down and relax and enjoy the atmosphere, to look around and enjoy the beauty of the place.
I would like to take photos there – I never have – I love taking photographs.
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Australia has some beautiful places that no-one gets told about – this is one of those places that no one knows about.
Preserving the bushland – the park is so close to town and so easy to get to – but I would be too scared to walk around the park on my own.
People may not know about the parklands and how pretty it is – I haven’t been there…it looks like it is a beautiful place!! I pass it on the bus to Moonee Ponds – but it doesn’t look like much from the bus – I had no idea is it so beautiful!
I thought Darebin Parklands was in Northcote!
Alphington Primary – School Grade 5
An artwork could be in the water – in one of the ponds.
Could be about the water purifying process.
Art could be on the cliff on the rock wall (where the films are shown).
An art trail could be good – finding one piece, and then another one.
Could be an attractive gateway at the entrance to the park.
Darebin U3A
Why do we visit parks?
For relaxation. Exercise. To visit the bush and to get away from suburbia. For picnics and parties. To take photographs. To enjoy the vegetation. To do some yoga and tai chi. Great open space to enjoy – great space for children. Gardening in the park. Feeding ducks. Walking dogs. Singing, playing music Tranquility of a park. Walking – it is good for your lungs. Fresh air – meditating. Show the kids wildlife in their natural habitat. Finding out about the History. Painting and drawing. Knitting – just sitting – contemplation. Flying kites and treasure hunts with kids.
What is unique about Darebin Parklands?
Mulberry Trees and Olive Trees Parkland in the inner city. Very large space – how big is it?
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Variety in the landscape/peaceful. Surrounded by two Councils – it is on the border. The water catchment system. The wild life down there is unique. The ecology care is important. Many people use the park differently – bike riding, walking, running, etc! Beautiful photographs can be taken there – beautiful ponds are idyllic. Spiritual Walk of Healing. Sailing model yachts on the ponds. Don’t clean up the creek too much – my grandkids loved an old car in the creek! It is a great place to take visitors/picnics/parties/family groups/safe place for kids to have fun. It is promoted by word of mouth – people tell others what a great place it is.
What does Darebin Parklands need?
A café A different name – it is not really a ‘parklands’ it is more of a bushlands?? Needs more advertising so more people know about it. Better access to pubic transport. Needs more parking. More toilets. More picnic facilities. More things to sit on – rocks, logs, etc.
Bike parking? The lookout could be a special attraction (the wooden one). The sign on the gate is too far from the bus for people to read it.
A rotunda for events!
Aboriginal Elders
What makes Darebin Parklands unique?
‘The Parklands are reclaimed land and are being restored back to what was originally intended – for the enjoyment of people, illustrated by the number of people who come here. Communicating with nature – gives people a sense of connection to land – by connecting to land this gives you a greater sense of your connection to yourself.
This Parklands is now the habitat for a lot of indigenous animals, birds and wildlife. It is their home and we get the chance to see them in their ‘natural’ environment – while they are experiencing ‘freedom’. This is really special.
The place in front of the rock walls is a special place – and where the water is – water is precious – it is a sacred thing.
We could enhance this park as a place where animals, birds are nurtured – for visitors to come and experience – an environmental centre could be good.
I’d like to see more animals using this park as their home.
When we are in this parklands we share our space, our land, our water and our environment’.
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It has grown – improved – since I was here last. It is more established now. It has got more of a remote feel to it than it used to have.
Down at the creek particularly – it would be easy to find teaching resources i.e. examples of bush tucker, interesting bird life, geological examples. The geology is more apparent – mostly all sedimentary stuff down at the creek.
Lots of varieties of wildlife, birdlife, vegetation that you could interpret for people.
All the vegetation has really grown.
This park is not ‘over europeanised’ – it feels overgrown with eucalypts and wattles now.
I wonder if it needs more publicity to schools – for more schools to come down here and learn from this environment?
The parklands is a great local resource. Be good to have an event here – the Darebin Kite Festival? Or a festival for all the neighbours like the former Olive Festival?’
Ian loved the animated creek with its rocks and rapids, and fascinated by the high waterline after the big flood in February, but even smaller floods
Darebin Parklands Staff
What is unique about Darebin Parklands?
It is unique because it is reclaimed land. Not just a piece of land, but a piece of land which is all about the water treatment on the geological boundary of Melbourne.
It is actually a depression – a hole in the ground.
People who find it think that they have discovered the parklands! This is partly because it is still ‘underdeveloped’ and rustic. We need to make sure we don’t over develop it and over formalise the park with too many signs, too many paths, etc.
We don’t want formal paths everywhere – here’s a path…’where does it go’?’ there are still rough paths and little areas to discover.
Logs and rocks scattered around are good to sit on, play with bikes on them, play on.
Being at the park is an intimate experience for lots of people – there is a sense of discovery even for people who know the park quite well – you don’t get that at other parks.
Sense of ownership is strong here by the users. That is good, but also has its down- side.
Everyone feels precious about the park – people getting upset about change.
There is a sense of trust now that the Master Plan has been agreed on – there is much opposition to people wanting to over-formalise the park.
DAREBIN PARKLANDS Public Art Project (QCT 1266) EXPRESSION OF INTEREST BRIEF 18 Darebin Parklands Public Art Project
Entrances are important – to set the mood for the park.
We all love the environment here – the history, the educative side of the parklands, the leachate (series of functional ponds which purify the water) – the environment is the most important thing – protecting it. I feel that the park is like the ‘diamond in the rough’ not that it needs polishing or anything, but that it needs protecting. Managing the park is done on the smell of an oily rag. We recycle, we stretch what dollars and resources we get so that it all goes a long way - we are not wasteful in any way. It would be good for the art commission to follow that trend. For us to maximise what we can get for the price of the art, but also maximise its potential – i.e. using natural materials, we don’t want a big plastic, ugly thing. We are such a small team – it would be good to have something that helps us, not hinders us or gets in the way, or makes our management of the park harder.
Ideas for the Art
A piece of art which is sited in a natural area – where it can exist discreetly – and can be discovered!
A piece of art which represents significant events which have happened over the years.
Changing all the gateposts into totem poles or something else which is significant.
Public art should have a function – it could be a windmill which pumps water – the artwork helps to achieve something here at the park.
Moving parts can be okay if they are designed to move properly.
If the artwork ends up to be a gateway for the park – we don’t want to have to construct it in ‘corporate colours’.
Kids are brought into the park and they are shown Andy Goldsworthy images and then taken into an area to build something temporary out of the materials available in the park. Students get a lot out of this activity.
The art should have minimum impact.
Could the art be a piece of playground equipment – e.g. a big goanna which a couple of kids are encouraged to climb on? to reflect a sense of discovery – go around a corner, or walk over by that rock and …’wow, there it is’.
We don’t want something that everyone doesn’t like!
Every day I find hidden, beautiful parts of the park – the art should contribute to that sense of beauty – something that blends in and emphasises nature rather than sitting on it and squashing it.
What needs to be celebrated/emphasised in the Parklands?
DAREBIN PARKLANDS Public Art Project (QCT 1266) EXPRESSION OF INTEREST BRIEF 19 Darebin Parklands Public Art Project
The animals, water bugs, gum trees, eucalypts – considering the park’s chequered history – it is great to see the park’s gradual change back to something like it used to be.
Having read a history of the parklands (in draft form), it is clear that the parklands is only here as it is today by pure luck and good timing! It was going to have a train line through it, then a freeway at one time, it is amazing that it is still here today.
Methane continues to rise from beneath the soil – as the rubbish below in the tip site gradually breaks down and builds up gas.
Community Meeting 1
What is unique about Darebin Parklands?
Would really love a gateway.
It is an amazing space – in the inner city – you can be down here and not see anyone else. It is peaceful. I would prefer it if there are not too many concrete paths – the roughness and the contours of the land i.e. the tree roots & roughness of the paths are great to walk on.
I am grateful to the people who fought to have it kept as a park and the people who have helped to make it what it is today.
It would be great to celebrate the parklands for its past achievements, and what it stands for.
I knew the park when it was a quarry – then the other day there was a wedding here! What a long way it has come!
We bring international and interstate people here – to all of it – we go everywhere within the park. We have picnics down here and bring blankets. One of our international visitors sketches and paints down here.
Primary and secondary school kids come down here for different reasons but mainly as a part of their education.
We used to ride billy karts down here – before there were formal paths – just on the rough grass and paths.
Every New Year’s Eve we come to see the fireworks – but the view is disappearing!!
How about some stepping stones with artworks on the stones? I really like tactile sculptures like ones I have seen in Templestowe
We could have something down here which represents all the people who come here – climbing and playing in the trees - squeals of laughter coming from kids. One great spot is the bend in the creek – near the railway line – it is a great part of the parklands – with no one there most of the time.
It is a park in an urban setting – there are no corridors for the wildlife to come and go – so not all wildlife can thrive here.
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Lots of people don’t know where this park is.
The force of the water in the creek is very dynamic.
What needs to be emphasised/celebrated?
The main entrance.
The history e.g the Cobb and Co Track – the Olives and Mulberries It would be good to see some art about the history of the park.
The BBQ shelter is a bit drab and could be improved.
Community Meeting 2
What is unique about Darebin Parklands?
The Parklands has been developed on the smell of an oily rag.
Parklands has a strong relationship to the city – bushland close to the city.
It has a soft feel to it – it is peaceful and well-used. People are not a feature (they don’t stick out). The nature is left alone here.
But the parklands have not been ‘left alone’ – you can see & experience all the layers of the uses of the park – its evolution or regeneration: Sandstone, bluestone/quarry/mulberries/olives/planting/geological features/the story of the palm tree/still see bits of the tip/the park is still trying to manage the methane from the tip/the development of the dog walking paths etc.
The parklands is a whole lot of different parks which come together to make up the parklands of today – so many aspects to the park.
The place where the stepping stones are – it is so quiet down there. There are little places that make you stop and see different aspects of the park (e.g. seats, tree roots over the path, hidden seats).
There are many animals native to here these days – could make art of these animals/birds so people can explore them up close
The light is always changing in this park – everything is always changing – sometimes there are areas of mist – creating a soft light.
It is a great place to relax so close to home. I take photographs here all the time – the light changes – the water changes – I walk with a camera.
It becomes a different landscape when it hasn’t rained for some time.
When it does rain the creek gets re-arranged and you see animals trying to cope after lots of rain. Watching families of ducks trying to circumnavigate the ponds.
DAREBIN PARKLANDS Public Art Project (QCT 1266) EXPRESSION OF INTEREST BRIEF 21 Darebin Parklands Public Art Project
The park has changed dramatically since it was a quarry and a tip – it used to be a huge hole. The Birdlife is amazing – a lot of wild-life.
We don’t want to have features which detract from that focus on the wildlife. This is now a conservation park and here for the animals. Lots of wildlife to look after – it is their habitat again. The bushland is unique and needs to be preserved.
All the lookouts are good – it is a fantastic aspect looking down and into the park from Mt Puffalo, the wooden lookout, and the lookout from the road above the park.
It is such a nice hidden park – people don’t know about how beautiful it is! – which is good! It has an element of mystery about it – quite spiritual and including the Spiritual Walk of Healing – art that takes into account what’s growing around it – the art integrated into new growth?
There is a sense of play and playfulness about the park.
What should be emphasised/celebrated?
Could the art build on the aspect of education in the park? Art which teaches something and builds on what students learn doing environmental studies here? School groups, U3A, tree surgery students, water watch, etc. eg. Hay’s Paddock in Kew is a learning experience particularly the little lookout.
Could local schools contribute – i.e. making a tile? Making nice features which contribute to the whole?
We don’t want a big structure on top of Mt Puffalo. It should be celebrated / emphasized as a conservation park.
Mt Puffalo is daggy, unpretentious but we like it.
The unstructured / natural / hidden features – a secretive place – should all be celebrated.
I like having bits of the park that I still don’t know about – parts that I am yet to discover – undiscovered – undisclosed.
The art could be functional.
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