Art Matters #47 - Sarah Robins - Cultural Lead ngurrak barring 
Intro Track: Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019



Today on Art Matters, I spoke with Sarah Robins the Cultural Lead of ngurrak barring, an arts and culture trail spanning 39 kilometres through forests and villages in the Dandenong Ranges. Connecting the towns with paths, artworks, stories, and cultural knowledge across five themes: Country, Community, Activism, Resilience and Ways of Seeing. 

It’s designed as a journey — not just an exhibition — where people encounter sculptures, storytelling signage and reflective spaces along the trail.
As you journey along the tracks, site-responsive art and signage provide rich and diverse cultural experiences and perspectives while honouring the natural beauty of the environment.

The trails can be entered from many different locations and explored in a variety of combinations depending on your time and your interests. Each trail is of varying length and with differing levels of terrain - the website has an interactive map so that you can plan out your walk based on what you would like to experience and tailor it to your needs.
Always check trail conditions and weather warnings while planning your trip.

There are many permanent and temporary Artworks to find and engage with, as well as the Architectural Nodes (3 of which are completed - two more to come) 

There is plenty to find out about and explore - why not come along to the Open Day!

ngurrak barring Open Day
24 April 2026
location - Grants Picnic Ground

This free program of events is an exciting opportunity to learn more about ngurrak barring and experience some of the many cultural offerings of this new arts and culture trail.

Drop in to speak to a member of the ngurrak barring team, pick up a self-guided itinerary, and stay for a talk by one of the contributors to the trail.
10:15am    Artist talk by Anton McMurray
10:45am   Guided Bushwalk
12:00pm  Artist talk by Tiriki Onus
1:00pm    Design talk by Djinjama and COLA Studio
2:00pm   An overview of the creative and cultural history of the Dandenong Ranges by Dr Bronwyn Hanna

All of the events are free but bookings are essential. 
Book now and secure your ticket.
https://collections.humanitix.com/ngurrak-barring-open-day

There will be coffee and the kiosk at Grants will become an information booth for the project for the day with many Yarra Ranges staff onsite to chat to and grab a brochure from as well!

So if you’re looking for something a little different to do — whether it’s a gentle walk, a day of discovery, or simply a chance to see the landscape through new eyes — this is one to put on your list.

You can explore the trail at your own pace, in your own time, and find all the details by searching ngurrak barring online. https://www.ngurrakbarring.com.au/

A big thank you to Sarah Robins for sharing the story behind this remarkable project with us 
— and for the work being done to celebrate culture, creativity and connection across the Yarra Ranges.

Todays Tracks:
Aesthetic Love Theme, HANTU
Free, Cat Power
Mingle, Georgia Knight

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers:
Little Acres - Ange
Kelly K Sullivan – Collage Artist
Sing Song Ceramics - Selby
Elizabeth Gleeson – Muralist and fine artist
Shirley Dougan – Artist
Natasja - Textile artist
Rajko Grbac (sculptor)
The Forge Institute – Community Group
The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY
Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass & Pottsy from Belgrave 

Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events.
artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com   or   @artmatters_97.1fm





 

Art Matters #47 - Sarah Robins - Cultural Lead ngurrak barring&nbsp; Intro Track:&nbsp;Paprika Pony, Kim Gordon, No Home Record, 2019 
Today on Art Matters, I spoke with Sarah Robins the Cultural Lead of <a href="chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0">ngurrak barring</a>, an arts and culture trail spanning 39 kilometres through forests and villages in the Dandenong Ranges. Connecting the towns with paths, artworks, stories, and cultural knowledge across five themes: Country, Community, Activism, Resilience and Ways of Seeing.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s designed as a journey &mdash; not just an exhibition &mdash; where people encounter sculptures, storytelling signage and reflective spaces along the trail. As you journey along the tracks, site-responsive art and signage provide rich and diverse cultural experiences and perspectives while honouring the natural beauty of the environment.
The trails can be entered from many different locations and explored in a variety of combinations depending on your time and your interests.&nbsp;Each trail is of varying length and with differing levels of terrain - the website has an interactive map so that you can plan out your walk based on what you would like to experience and tailor it to your needs. Always check trail conditions and weather warnings while planning your trip. There are many permanent and temporary Artworks to find and engage with, as well as the Architectural Nodes (3 of which are completed - two more to come)&nbsp;
There is plenty to find out about and explore - why not come along to the Open Day!
ngurrak barring Open Day 24 April 2026 location - Grants Picnic Ground
This free program of events is an exciting opportunity to learn more about ngurrak barring and experience some of the many cultural offerings of this new arts and culture trail.
Drop in to speak to a member of the ngurrak barring team, pick up a self-guided itinerary, and stay for a talk by one of the contributors to the trail.
<ul>
<li>10:15am &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/anton-mcmurray">Artist talk by Anton McMurray</a></li>
<li>10:45am &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/guided-bushwalk">Guided Bushwalk</a></li>
<li>12:00pm &nbsp;<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/tiriki-onus">Artist talk by Tiriki Onus</a></li>
<li>1:00pm&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/djinjama-and-cola-studio">Design talk by Djinjama and COLA Studio</a></li>
<li>2:00pm&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/bronwyn-hanna">An overview of the creative and cultural history of the Dandenong Ranges by Dr Bronwyn Hanna</a></li>
</ul>
All of the events are free but bookings are essential.&nbsp; Book now and secure your ticket. <a href="https://collections.humanitix.com/ngurrak-barring-open-day">https://collections.humanitix.com/ngurrak-barring-open-day</a>
There will be coffee and the kiosk at Grants will become an information booth for the project for the day with many Yarra Ranges staff onsite to chat to and grab a brochure from as well! So if you&rsquo;re looking for something a little different to do &mdash; whether it&rsquo;s a gentle walk, a day of discovery, or simply a chance to see the landscape through new eyes &mdash; this is one to put on your list.
You can explore the trail at your own pace, in your own time, and find all the details by searching ngurrak barring online. <a href="https://www.ngurrakbarring.com.au/">https://www.ngurrakbarring.com.au/</a>
A big thank you to Sarah Robins for sharing the story behind this remarkable project with us &mdash; and for the work being done to celebrate culture, creativity and connection across the Yarra Ranges.
Todays Tracks: Aesthetic Love Theme, HANTU Free, Cat Power Mingle,&nbsp;Georgia Knight
A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the Art Matters Subscribers: Little Acres - Ange Kelly K Sullivan &ndash; Collage Artist Sing Song Ceramics - Selby Elizabeth Gleeson &ndash; Muralist and fine artist Shirley Dougan &ndash; Artist Natasja - Textile artist Rajko Grbac (sculptor) The Forge Institute &ndash; Community Group The Hut Gallery FERNTREE GULLY Cheech the rescue staffy via Tass &amp; Pottsy from Belgrave&nbsp; Please get in touch with us to let us know about your upcoming exhibitions and events. <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artmatters_97.1fm/">@artmatters_97.1fm</a>
 
&nbsp;

Welcome to Art Matters, the dedicated 3MDR radio Art show that brings the world of local art to the airwaves! Whether you're an art maker an art lover, or just looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

Join us, as we dive into the local art scene with engaging artist interviews, gallery spotlights, and insightful reviews - real conversations about creativity, passion, and the people making art happen in your community.
We will also venture further afield to bring you information on exciting exhibitions, events and happenings that you should get out and about to attend.

Expect lively discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and an inside look at what’s new, now, and next in local art.

It’ll be educational, it’ll be entertaining, and it’ll be all about celebrating the talent that surrounds us.

Tune in, get inspired, and be part of the creative conversation on Art Matters!

Let us know about your Art practice at artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com or @artmatters_97.1fm

Welcome to&nbsp;Art Matters,&nbsp;the dedicated 3MDR radio Art show that brings the world of local art to the airwaves! Whether you're an art maker an art lover, or just looking for some inspiration, we&rsquo;ve got you covered. Join us, as we dive into the local art scene with engaging artist interviews, gallery spotlights, and insightful reviews&nbsp;- real conversations about creativity, passion, and the people making art happen in your community. We will also venture further afield to bring you information on exciting exhibitions, events and happenings that you should get out and about to attend. Expect&nbsp;lively discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and an inside look at what&rsquo;s new, now, and next in local art. It&rsquo;ll be educational, it&rsquo;ll be entertaining, and it&rsquo;ll be all about celebrating the talent that surrounds us. Tune in, get inspired, and&nbsp;be part of the creative conversation on Art Matters!
Let us know about your Art practice at <a href="mailto:artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com">artmatters97.1fm@gmail.com</a> or @artmatters_97.1fm