She shares all about it below!

The Art and Sole project is a collaborative project between Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) and key community stakeholders. It aims to promote active living in Lilydale West through the celebration of Wurundjeri art and installation of signed walks and maps, to encourage walking as an accessible physical activity.

Walking is associated with many benefits. Along with physical benefits, walking is shown to improve mental health and wellbeing, social cohesion – and it increases cultural and community connectedness, economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes.

A key objective of the Art and Sole project is to improve community knowledge and equitable access to: walking routes within Lilydale, services such as the Lilydale Station, surrounding shopping precincts, and local green spaces.

By creating a walkable neighbourhood that is connected through well-designed walking routes, cultural points of interest and access to public transport and local services, we aim to create a community environment where all members of the community can improve their health and wellbeing in the places they live, work and play.

We recently conducted an accessibility audit of the Lilydale Train Station and surrounding access points, Poyner Reserve and the 7/11 pedestrian crossing at Cave Hill Road. The audit was completed by three community members with lived experience of disability and was supported by members of Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Disability Advisory Council and the YRC Asset team.

The audit revealed many positive components of the newly refurbished Lilydale Station such as the use of lifts, ramps, disability access to the customer service booth, and auditory messaging.

The audit also highlighted several safety risks and accessibility issues both within the Lilydale Station and in the surrounding neighbourhood streets. These issues have been communicated to the Level Crossing Removal Project Response Team and various teams within the YRC for address.