Announcing the finalists for the Indigenous Centre of Excellence Design Competition

Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the outstanding finalists shortlisted to advance to the next stage of the Indigenous Centre of Excellence Design Competition.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of entries during the Expression of Interest stage, the four finalists are:

The finalists will now move to the design response stage (Stage 2) of the competition, developing comprehensive design proposals that align with the project's vision and objectives.

To be situated on Darug land at the Parramatta South campus, the University’s Indigenous Centre of Excellence will provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples to celebrate culture and connection to Country as well as connecting with First Nations peoples across the globe.

A place for truth telling, teaching and learning, interdisciplinary research, creativity and innovation, the Centre will be a realisation of the University’s strategic aim of fostering and supporting the development of the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Western Sydney University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Professor Michelle Trudgett, welcomed the announcement.

"We are thrilled to see such a strong group of finalists who are dedicated to honouring Indigenous knowledges and cultures in their designs. This project is a beacon of Indigenous excellence, and these finalists will play a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life,” said Professor Trudgett.

Professor Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, said he looks forward to moving to the next stage of the final design concepts for the landmark building.

“The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a celebration of tens of thousands of years of Indigenous knowledges and histories. It will provide an important space for the community to engage with both the University’s and the Western Sydney region’s deep connection with Indigenous people,” said Professor Glover.

“It is testament to the University’s commitment to advancing Indigenous education, leadership, and engagement, recognising that we are located on Aboriginal land and that our relationship with Indigenous communities is foundational to who we are as an institution.”

The Chair of the Design Competition Selection Committee, Dillon Kombumerri, emphasised the importance of this project, stating, "The quality of the entries and the overwhelming interest in the competition underscore the significance of this project. Designers from around the country recognise the Indigenous Centre of Excellence as a unique opportunity to contribute to First Peoples’ education and culture. The selected finalists have demonstrated exceptional potential in shaping this iconic First Nations space."

The winning design is expected to be announced at the end of the year.

ENDS

6 October 2023

Media Unit

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