Brisbane’s Rail: Indigenous Art & Sustainable Community Engagement

Brisbane’s Southside Stations Embrace Indigenous Art and Cultural Heritage

Brisbane’s railway commuters on the southside are now greeted by more than just trains; they’re welcomed by art, culture, and heritage woven into the fabric of their journeys. The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) has commissioned a series of public art installations at the seven surface stations undergoing accessibility upgrades: Dutton Park, Fairfield, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Moorooka, Rocklea, and Salisbury. This initiative, completed in Dutton Park station and expanding to the others, provides a unique blend of functionality and cultural immersion, transforming these transit hubs into spaces that celebrate local Indigenous narratives. The CRRDA, in partnership with the Birrunga Gallery Hub, an Aboriginal-owned and operated business, has created a welcoming and educational experience. The project, completed with the help of local artists and indigenous groups, began recently with the art installation at Dutton Park station. The project aims to enrich the passenger experience, highlight local history, and promote reconciliation, illustrating a commitment to community engagement.

A Journey Through Country: Bench Design and Storytelling

At the heart of the art installations lie the benches themselves. Each bench features brass plaques meticulously engraved with stories about the Country, culture, and heritage specific to each station’s locale. These plaques act as gateways to understanding the deep connections between the land, its people, and the surrounding environment. This approach aligns with the overarching goal of the project: to not just improve transport infrastructure, but to foster a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal history. Central to the design is the inclusion of a single gecko, perched atop each bench. The geckos are inspired by the natural habitat of geckos in Australia and serve as symbolic guardians of welcome, mirroring the warmth and invitation often found in a home environment. This design element is a recurring motif, connecting the stations through a shared cultural symbol.

Navigating Place: Guiding Elements at Dutton Park

The artwork at Dutton Park station provides a clear demonstration of the project’s principles. Beyond the welcoming gecko, the station features directionally placed boomerangs, kangaroo tracks, and feathers to guide travellers, particularly as they enter and exit the station. In the centre, plaques depicting the pigface plant are incorporated, anchoring the design and referencing a key local native groundcover species. This careful integration of traditional symbols and wayfinding elements aims to create a sense of place and belonging, providing visual cues that ease navigation for passengers and honour the local ecology. The inclusion of Mount Coot-Tha, which is visible from the suburb, further grounds the station in its physical and historical context.

The Artistic Vision: Birrunga’s Approach

The artistic vision for the project is spearheaded by Birrunga Wiradyuri, the founder and principal artist of the Birrunga Gallery Hub. Birrunga’s artistic practice is firmly rooted in the Wiradyuri Lore of Yindyamarra, which emphasizes respect, gentleness, politeness, and honour. This philosophy informs every aspect of the artwork, from the initial concept to the final installation. The collaboration between the CRRDA and the Birrunga Gallery Hub exemplifies a commitment to cultural authenticity and community involvement, ensuring the artwork reflects the stories of the Traditional Owners. The careful curation ensures that each element of the artwork serves a specific purpose, contributing to a holistic, respectful, and meaningful experience for all rail users.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The Cross River Rail project’s integration of public art sets a noteworthy precedent within the rail industry. The initiative demonstrates how infrastructure projects can extend beyond functional necessities to actively enhance cultural experiences. This approach can be replicated in other locations, promoting reconciliation and showcasing local heritage and artistry. Further implications can be seen in creating partnerships with Aboriginal-owned businesses which promotes their economic development, and strengthens the rail infrastructure’s commitment to the community. The CRRDA’s initiative serves as a blueprint for future projects, highlighting the potential for transport networks to become dynamic spaces for cultural expression, education, and community engagement, offering a sustainable future for transport.