Barak’s back

By Kath Gannaway
A LANDMARK building planned for Melbourne by Grocon will pay tribute to Wurundjeri leader and artist William Barak.
Barak was born in 1824 and was the last ngurungaeta (leader) of the Wurundjeri people.
He lived at Coranderrk Aboriginal Mission until his death on 15 August 1903 and was the only full-blood survivor of his people.
He is believed to have been present as a young boy at the signing of an 1835 treaty with Melbourne’s founder, John Batman, on the banks of the Merri Creek at Fitzroy.
Later in life, as chief of his tribe, Barak is acknowledged for his role in bridging the divide between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Grocon CEO Daniel Grollo said he was proud to work with architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall to create what he said would be Melbourne’s next great landmark.
The building, to be named Portrait, he said, was an appropriate way to celebrate Barak’s life.
“Grocon has a proud history of developing iconic buildings in Australia, and we believe Portrait sets a new standard.”
Mr Grollo said the image of William Barak would be difficult to see when close to the building, but could be clearly seen at a distance.
Mr Grollo said today’s Wurundjeri people had also welcomed the concept of Portrait.
Wurundjeri Tribal Land Council CEO Megan Goulding said there was full support for Grocon using William Barak’s image on the façade of the building.
“The Elders have noted that it’s Grocon’s intention to pay respect to both Barak and the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the Melbourne and greater Melbourne region over many thousands of years,” she said.
“The Wurundjeri community is very moved by this gesture and appreciates the respect that both Grocon and ARM have shown in developing this exciting concept.”
WTLC cultural project officer Ronald Terrick said: “We would like to think that every visitor to Melbourne would look upon that image and say ‘who is that man’.
“We want people to ask those questions,” he said.
The building will be on the former Carlton Brewery site.
“This commemoration of the life of William Barak is one that the Victorian Government certainly applauds.”