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