The City of Greater Dandenong is home to numerous bush land reserves, many of which contain significant remnant native bush land, and all of which are important for recreation, conservation and cultural heritage reasons. 

The city’s bush land areas, and their importance, have been poorly understood by the public – and in turn undervalued. The City of Greater Dandenong required an interpretive solution which would reveal the significance of the reserves to the public; engender a connection to place; fit appropriately into the natural bush land environment; be robust, long lasting and economical; and minimise soil disturbance during installation. The project required design; research; writing; illustration; fabrication and installation management – all with a very tight deadline. With an initial application to Fotheringham Reserve, the solution will be deployed across other bush land reserves within the city. 

HeineJones designed an interpretive solution is simple, robust, and, like the surrounding bush land – unique and individual. Reclaimed iron bark timber posts with natural edges are cut at a compound angle – creating distinctive angular top surface planes – no two of which are alike. Vitreous enamel top disks are then built to precisely match the shape of the top plane, coated in a base colour sympathetic to the bush land environment, and printed with simple black and white text and illustrations. The timber posts are installed directly into the ground without concrete – ensuring minimal site impact and maximum sustainability. The angular top plane, colour palette and natural weathered surface of the reclaimed timber blend comfortably with the natural environment. Materiality ensures a long lasting solution.

Public response has been overwhelmingly positive. The City of Greater Dandenong are delighted with the solution and have cited an increased public participation and interest in the reserves.