Unanderra and Towradgi Station Upgrade Projects – Degnan and Transport for NSW – Social Outcomes

The Unanderra and Towradgi Station Upgrade Projects, delivered by Degnan and Transport for NSW under the Transport Access Program (TAP), aimed to improve public transport accessibility for people with disabilities, parents and carers, and travellers with luggage. These upgrades, located in the Illawarra region, included the installation of accessible lifts, footbridges, enhanced parking, and upgraded station amenities. Both projects were designed to ensure equitable access for all and achieved notable sustainability outcomes, earning ISC v1.2 Leading ratings—Towradgi with a score of 82.66 and Unanderra with 84.06.

1. Aboriginal Co-design and Cultural Integration

At Towradgi, collaboration with Dharawal Elders and Knowledge Holders resulted in a design that honoured the cultural significance of the land. The story of the sperm whale, the totem animal of the Saltwater Wodi Wodi people, was reflected in the station’s design through luminescent motifs etched into meeting places in Webers Cres Park. The station platform walls were moulded to resemble the ocean, acknowledging the importance of the coastal landscape to the Dharawal people.
At Unanderra, Coomaditchie artists and the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council shared stories of the landscape, particularly the escarpment and its creeks. The ”Two River Story” was incorporated into the hard landscaping, and the station’s lift shafts were designed to evoke the Illawarra Escarpment’s waterfalls. The design embraced a biophilic approach, maximising natural light, airflow, and green spaces to enhance the travel experience. The angular canopies and curved pavements mirrored the natural forms of the Illawarra, fostering a deeper connection between commuters and the surrounding environment

2. Community Support and Engagement

During the Unanderra project, we actively supported the local community by contributing weekly food donations to the Unanderra Community Centre, helping stock their food pantry for local families. We also participated in their holiday hamper initiative, donating hams and gifts for children, with contributions from both on-site workers and subcontractors. In addition, we sponsored the centre’s tutoring program, which was at risk due to the cessation of grants following the COVID-19 pandemic. This sponsorship ensured that children continued receiving essential educational support throughout the project’s duration.

3. Heritage Preservation

At Unanderra Station, heritage interpretation initiatives were included to highlight two significant historical features: the Station Master’s Residence and the Thornley Type-45 Lever Frame. Built in 1887, the residence served as both a railway building and a home for station masters, who played a key role in the local economy by facilitating the transportation of goods from Unanderra’s industries. The Thornley Lever Frame, used to operate rail points during the suburb’s industrial boom, was crucial in supporting safe rail movements. These heritage elements ensure that the station’s historical significance is preserved and shared with future generations.

4. Mural at Towradgi

At Towradgi Station, we collaborated with a local school to design a mural depicting Australian wildlife. Painted by a local artist, the mural enhanced the station’s visual appeal while fostering community pride. The project brought together students and residents, leaving an artistic legacy that reflects the region’s natural beauty.

1. Co-design with Aboriginal Elders and Knowledge Holders

At Towradgi Station, collaboration with Dharawal Elders and Knowledge Holders resulted in a design that honoured the cultural significance of the land. Stories of balance in nature and the sperm whale, the totem of the Saltwater Wodi Wodi people, were integrated into the station design through etched luminescent motifs and ocean-inspired mouldings on platform walls. This transformation of the station into both a transit hub and a cultural landmark instilled a sense of pride among the local community, celebrating their heritage. Similarly, at Unanderra Station, engagement with Coomaditchie and the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council led to designs inspired by the local landscape, with the lift shafts reflecting the Illawarra Escarpment. The “Two River Story,” a significant cultural narrative, was incorporated into hard landscaping, adding an additional layer of meaning to the station design.

These outcomes were shared with the community through extensive consultations and public displays. The local Aboriginal stories, imagery, and symbolism were communicated to residents and visitors, ensuring that these important cultural narratives were recognised and appreciated by a broader audience. The use of culturally significant designs transformed the stations into spaces that not only serve the practical needs of commuters but also foster greater community pride and connection to heritage.

2. Community Support Initiatives at Unanderra

The Unanderra Community Centre benefited from the project through ongoing support aimed at addressing food insecurity. Weekly donations helped stock the centre’s food pantry, ensuring local families had access to fresh food. During the holidays, the project contributed to the centre’s Christmas hamper initiative, providing hams sourced from local businesses and gifts for children. Subcontractors and employees also participated, making it a true community-driven effort.

In addition to food donations, the project supported the centre’s tutoring programme, which had faced potential cancellation due to funding cuts after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsoring this initiative ensured that local children continued receiving essential educational support, significantly impacting their learning and development.

These efforts were shared with the local community through newsletters and direct communication with the families and individuals who benefited from these initiatives. By providing support to the community, the project demonstrated its commitment to local well-being and fostering a positive relationship between infrastructure development and social support.

3. Heritage Interpretation at Unanderra

At Unanderra Station, the project included a significant heritage interpretation initiative. Educational signage was installed to honour two key historical elements: the Station Master’s Residence and the Thornley Type-45 Lever Frame. Built in 1887, the Station Master’s Residence served as both a railway building and a family home, symbolising the essential role that Station Masters played in the local economy, particularly during the suburb’s industrial growth. The Thornley Type-45 Lever Frame was crucial during Unanderra’s industrial boom, used to manually operate rail points on goods sidings and facilitating safe transport during the steel production era.

These heritage outcomes were shared with the public through permanent signage at station entrances. The signs provide historical context, allowing commuters and visitors to appreciate the station’s role in Unanderra’s industrial history. By preserving and interpreting these historical elements, the project has ensured that the rich heritage of the area remains visible and accessible for future generations.

4. Mural Project at Towradgi

At Towradgi Station, the project collaborated with a local school to design a mural, showcasing Australian flora and fauna. This initiative gave students an opportunity to contribute creatively to their community while learning about the local environment. The mural, prominently displayed at the station entrance, serves as a welcoming visual element, enhancing the overall experience for station users.

The mural’s creation was a collaborative process that fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the students, who saw their contributions transform the station into a more vibrant and community-centred space. The involvement of local youth in such a visible public project strengthened the station’s role as a community hub and helped improve the atmosphere of the space. The mural’s unveiling was shared with the public through community events and social media, ensuring that the project’s artistic and social impact reached a wide audience.

1. Co-design with Aboriginal Corporation and Artist Involvement

At Towradgi Station, the Dharawal community, particularly Elders and Knowledge Holders, were key beneficiaries, as their cultural stories, symbols, and totems were represented in the station’s design. This provided a platform for their heritage to be honoured and preserved in a public space. Additionally, commuters and visitors benefitted from the culturally enriched environment, offering them a deeper connection to the local heritage. At Unanderra Station, the Coomaditchie and the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council benefitted from having their cultural stories integrated into the station’s design, allowing their heritage to be celebrated. The broader local community, including residents and travellers, gained from public spaces that respected and reflected both the cultural and natural significance of the region.

2. Community Support Initiatives at Unanderra

The Unanderra Community Centre’s initiatives provided direct benefits to local families facing food insecurity, helping them access essential supplies through the centre’s food pantry. Additionally, the Christmas hamper initiative offered holiday cheer and support, ensuring families had a festive experience despite financial hardships. Children in the community were also significant beneficiaries, as the continuation of the centre’s tutoring programme ensured they received ongoing educational support, particularly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and related funding cuts.

3. Heritage Interpretation at Unanderra Station

The heritage interpretation at Unanderra Station provided significant value to residents and visitors, allowing them to learn about the area’s rich railway history through educational signage. This initiative not only enriched their understanding of the station’s historical significance but also fostered a greater appreciation for the local heritage, creating a deeper connection between the community and its past.

4. Collaborative Mural Project at Towradgi

The mural project at Towradgi Station benefited local school students, who had the opportunity to collaborate on a meaningful and lasting public artwork. This experience gave them a sense of achievement and community pride by contributing to a project that enhanced their surroundings. Additionally, station users and the surrounding community benefited from a more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing environment that highlighted local wildlife, improving their daily experience and sense of connection to the local environment.

The project has created a legacy through its alignment with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), each supporting a different aspect of sustainable development.

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The most significant legacy of this project is its contribution to SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The co-design process at Towradgi and Unanderra Stations with Dharawal Elders, Knowledge Holders, and the Coomaditchie community resulted in public spaces that celebrate and preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage. By incorporating local stories, totems, and artwork into the station designs, the project created environments that are not just transit hubs but also cultural landmarks. These culturally enriched spaces serve as lasting symbols of the local Indigenous communities, fostering community pride and ensuring that Aboriginal cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into the urban landscape. The outcome is a series of inclusive public spaces that reflect the diversity of the community, creating resilient, culturally connected urban areas ensuring the continuation of local stories for future generations.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

The project also contributed to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. By sponsoring the Unanderra Community Centre’s tutoring programme, especially during a critical time when grants were no longer available due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project ensured that local children continued to receive vital educational support. This contribution established a legacy of educational equity, ensuring that students, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, had access to the resources and tutoring they needed to succeed. The continuation of this programme has strengthened the community’s emphasis on education, promoting lifelong learning and leaving a positive, lasting impact on local youth. It underscores the project’s broader commitment to supporting community well-being beyond infrastructure development and an enduring legacy.

3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The project’s support for food security aligns with SDG 2, which seeks to end hunger and ensure access to nutritious food for all. Through weekly donations from employees, sub-contractors and TfNSW to the Unanderra Community Centre’s food pantry and contributions to the Christmas hamper initiative, the project provided direct assistance to local families facing food insecurity. These efforts helped to address immediate nutritional needs and created a sustainable model for ongoing community support. The initiative not only alleviated hunger but also built community resilience by ensuring that vulnerable families had reliable access to essential food supplies during difficult times. This contribution has left a lasting impact, enhancing the well-being and food security of the local community.

Overall, the project’s alignment with these SDGs has created a sustainable, culturally inclusive, and socially supportive legacy. It has fostered cultural preservation, supported educational equity, and addressed food insecurity, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend well beyond its physical infrastructure and have a lasting, positive impact on the community.