Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Centre of Excellence design was unveiled by the Hon. Donna Davis MP; Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Chris Minns MP; Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO; Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership; and Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO. Image credit: Sally Tsoutas.
Western Sydney University has revealed the design for its transformational Indigenous Centre of Excellence.
Designed by Sarah Lynn Rees, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB), Peter Stutchbury Architecture and Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture, with Uncle Dean Kelly, Hill Thalis Architecture and Flux Consult, the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be based at the Parramatta South campus located on Darug land.
Unveiled at a special event with members of the community, the design is guided by Country and brings to life a vision for a community-centric, transformational building that integrates Indigenous knowledges, featuring a new state-of-the-art theatre and cinema, exhibition galleries, teaching and learning facilities and Indigenous discovery space.
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will target a 6-star Green Star rating and feature a mass timber structure using Australian hardwoods. It prioritises Indigenous and Country-focused materials and suppliers with the facade to be constructed using clay sourced directly from Country.
Integrating innovative and sustainable principles, it will feature an entirely Indigenous planted landscape, honouring the site’s ecological heritage and providing spaces for both human and non-human kin, fostering gathering, respite, shelter, and play.
Design impression of the Indigenous Centre of Excellence. Image credit: Western Sydney University.
Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Barney Glover AO and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership Professor Michelle Trudgett unveiled the design, joined by the Hon. Chris Minns, Premier of NSW, members of the University’s Elders Advisory Committee, key Indigenous stakeholders and other University leaders.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Professor Michelle Trudgett, said: “Together with the University’s Elders Advisory Committee, Indigenous stakeholders and Sarah Lynn Rees and team, Western Sydney University is proud to unveil the design for the Indigenous Centre of Excellence.”
“Deeply connected with Country and Indigenous knowledges, the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a transformational space where communities can connect with the University while learning from and celebrating our incredible culture.”
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said: “Western Sydney University is committed to advancing Indigenous education, leadership, and engagement. This world-class building represents a significant opportunity for us to intensify our engagement with communities and will connect people and place to celebrate tens of thousands of years of Indigenous knowledge and history.”
Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, said: “The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a benchmark for Indigenous leadership and education. It forms an important part of Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Strategy 2020-2025, which aims to increase Indigenous participation in higher education, fostering emerging Indigenous leaders for decades to come.”
Architect spokesperson, Sarah Lynn Rees, Senior Associate, Jackson Clements Burrows, said: “Our design engages with the layered physical and experiential histories of the site to create a proposal that is born from the spatial language of Country and healed through the return of waterway, ecology, and home for non-human kin.”
“Inspired by the form and safety of the mangroves and veiled by a woven like façade, the design acts as a canvas within which human and non-human kin can re-connect. The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will facilitate the practice of caring for Country and the transfer of cultural and academic knowledge, amplifying individual and collective cultural strength for the benefit of all.”
Design impression of the Indigenous Centre of Excellence. Image credit: Western Sydney University.
The purpose-built facility will support the sharing and preservation of Indigenous cultures while informal learning spaces will provide opportunities for engagement and collaboration. It will feature an Indigenous library, Elders lounge, Indigenous research and student facilities, and an internal and external community gathering space.
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and interests and will provide an opportunity to learn about the rich stories, language and cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples, to explore arts and cultural collections, and to attend performances, talks and screenings.
Supported by a $78.5 million grant from the NSW Government, the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be an important gathering place for the community to celebrate both the University’s and the region’s long-standing connection with Indigenous peoples.
Forming a key part of the University’s Indigenous Strategy 2020-2025, the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a benchmark for Indigenous leadership and education. It is planned to be completed and open for operation in 2026.
