Commuters journey through Dreamtime stories
Transport for NSW commuters can now share in a unique travel experience listening to the Dreamtime stories of some of our local Aboriginal peoples on their train journey from Sydney to Newcastle.
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary of Customer Strategy & Technology, Joost de Kock said several stations on the Central Coast and Newcastle line highlight the Dreamtime stories of the local people on whose land the rail line travels through.
“Commuters can scan QR codes at stations, which will take them to transportnsw.info to engage with up to 13 ancestral sacred stories,” Mr de Kock said.
“The stories relate to places connected with the train’s journey, while reflecting the important link between Aboriginal culture, nature and the land.
“Dreamtime stories are a way of sharing tens of thousands of years of cultural history and are told as a way of passing on that history from one generation to the next.
“Beginning in Awabakal country, in the Hunter region, moving down through Darkinjung country, on the Central Coast, and ending in Gadigal country, in Sydney, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the place of Aboriginal culture in their daily travels.”
Using a range of historical documents and oral histories the aim of the project is to reawaken the Aboriginal Peoples’ language. Newcastle Aboriginal Linguist Dr Ray Kelly and Central Coast Elder Kevin Duncan, use linguistic and cultural knowledge to interpret the landscape, narrating the Dreamtime stories while commuters are on their journey.
At Broadmeadow station a mural designed by Wonnarua woman Saretta Fielding will greet commuters.
“The artwork depicts three gathering circles which reflect the community’s past, present and future generations,” Mrs Fielding said.
“Message sticks run along the border - symbolic of the cultural narratives being told. They also parallel the rail tracks of each journey.
“The backdrop shows the rivers, mountains, bushland and landscapes the trains travel through, and the colour pallet is reflective of the colours of country as they change from dawn till dusk.
“As commuters are looking out the window, I hope they can use this to understand Country better. It is a wonderful way of capturing our history and sharing it with the broader community.
“This initiative is an opportunity to share our culture. It will help the community better understand the importance of Aboriginal history in contemporary Australia.”
This 6-month pilot program has the potential to be expanded across the rail network.