Western Sydney University invites Expressions of Interest for Indigenous Centre of Excellence national design competition

Western logo

Western Sydney University is launching a national design competition for its iconic Indigenous Centre of Excellence.

Architects and designers are invited to submit their Expressions of Interest to design the new Centre, which will be a celebration of culture and country.

To be based at the Parramatta South campus, located on Darug land, the Centre will be an important gathering place for the community to celebrate both the University’s and the region’s deep connection with Indigenous people.

Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, said the Centre will firmly position western Sydney as a region at the forefront of Indigenous education, employment and research.

“This landmark building will serve many generations. Every aspect of the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be informed by Indigenous knowledges and cultures. It will be one of the most prominent and impactful First Nations spaces in the world, while being a place that the local community can come together and connect,” said Professor Trudgett.

The state-of-the-art facility will be accessible to people of all ages, abilities and interests, where they will learn more about the rich Indigenous culture and heritage of the Western Sydney region, explore its arts and cultural collections, and attend performances, talks and screenings. Purpose-built facilities will support the sharing and preservation of Indigenous Australian culture while informal learning spaces will provide opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Barney Glover AO said the Centre for Indigenous Excellence is an integral part of the University’s Indigenous Futures Decadal Strategy, 2023-2032.

“The building will be a beacon of education, Indigenous leadership and cultural exchange. We look forward to working with our Elders and Indigenous communities to create a truly transformational space where we can foster, develop and support the next generation of Indigenous leaders,” said Professor Glover.

Registrations for expressions of interest (Stage 1) are now open. Following the design response stage (Stage 2) the winner is expected to be announced by the end of the year.

For more information and to submit Expressions of Interest, please visit https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/western-growth/ICOE-design-competition.

ENDS

14 August 2023

Media Unit.

Latest News

ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI

The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.

Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.

Shield with Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents

Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.