Learn why artists love hills

A series of information sessions, walks and workshops will be held this year to provide the more information about RidgeWalk, a 26km historic, cultural walking track across the Dandenong Ranges.
The engagement program will be launched with an Info Night on Wednesday, 21 February, at Karwarra, Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Kalorama.
Community members are invited to drop in anytime from 5pm to 8pm.
Attendees can learn more about why the Dandenong Ranges has been such an important place to some of Australia’s most significant artists and how their stories will be brought to life through RidgeWalk.
Information about the project’s intentions, timelines and proposed route will also be discussed.
The route will include connections and upgrades to existing tracks, as well as the development of new ones.
It is likely to connect Upwey and Belgrave to Montrose, through Ferny Creek, Sassafras, Olinda, Mount Dandenong and Kalorama.
The event will be run by Council and Arterial Design who are leading the development of the RidgeWalk Master Plan.
Council recently engaged Bronwyn Hanna History and Heritage to produce a cultural study to investigate the historical and significant relationship between iconic artwork portraying the Dandenong Ranges and the landscape.
The study will contribute to Council’s approach to developing potential public art and heritage interpretation signage along the walking track.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Len Cox, said the community would benefit from attending the information night to discuss upgrading existing trails, improved accessibility and minimal environmental impact.
“We want to meet the local need and ensure the project drives sustainable cultural tourism in the region,” Cr Cox said.
The Federal Government has contributed $2.3 million to the project.
Council will continue to advocate to the Victorian Government to financially contribute to the project.
The delivery will be phased based on available funding.
Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ridgewalk for more information.