Journey

Journey acknowledges Wangaratta Railway Station as a place of connection, located on Aboriginal land where First Peoples have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years. It pays tribute to the impacts of colonisation and honours the resilience of local communities.

The woven bronze discs symbolize cycles of life, movement, and connection. Inspired by Aboriginal weaving practices, they represent trade routes, songlines, and the intertwined journeys of history, culture, and community.

The artwork reflects on the brutal events of 1838, during which violence profoundly disrupted local communities resulting in the deaths of settlers and many local First Peoples. It stands as a symbol of resilience, healing, and new beginnings. The white bronze evokes peace and spiritual strength, offering a space for reflection and truth-telling.

Before European settlement, this land was a thriving cultural landscape. Clans worked together to hunt, fish, and trade along well-trodden paths, shaped by sustainable practices like firestick farming. These ancient routes are echoed today in the Hume Highway and railways, connecting people, resources, and places of cultural significance.

Journey bridges past and present, honouring reeds that grow along waterways—plants that provide sustenance and material for weaving. These reeds symbolise strength, gentleness, and the journeys of women and families across Country.

Through its design and symbolism, Journey invites visitors to reflect on new ways of understanding Country. It fosters respect for First Peoples’ knowledge and the living systems they continue to nurture and celebrate.

Title: Journey, 2026

Site: Wangaratta Railway Station

Client: Inland Rail

Concept: Aunty Kim Wandin and Chris Joy

Meridian Sculpture, Greenshoot Consulting