With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands in Greater Western Sydney and beyond.
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Introducing the Indigenous Centre of Excellence at Western Sydney University
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be located on Darug land at our Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University! We are proud to embark on this transformative project.
Our Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a dynamic space where culture, knowledge, and community intersect. It will serve as a hub for celebrating Indigenous heritage, fostering understanding, and promoting resilience.
Through state-of-the-art facilities and engaging programs, the Indigenous Centre will provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and learn about Indigenous culture. From exhibitions, performances and language to educational activities and community events, there will be something for everyone to discover and engage with.
This Indigenous-led project will work closely with Indigenous elders, community members, and stakeholders to ensure that the Indigenous Centre reflects the principles of reciprocity, respect, and cultural authenticity. Together, we will create a space that honours the rich traditions and wisdom of Indigenous peoples.
Join us on this exciting journey as we build the Indigenous Centre of Excellence, a place where contemporary Indigenous expression thrives, knowledge is shared, and connections are made. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to embark on a unique and enriching excellence. Welcome to the Indigenous Centre of Excellence at Western Sydney University, where Indigenous culture takes centre stage.
Indigenous Centre of Excellence design
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Features will include:
- Arrival and Community space
- Social enterprise café
- Art gallery and studios
- Events and meeting spaces
- Performance theatre
- Cinema
- Badanami – Centre of Indigenous Education
- Indigenous Research Institute
- Indigenous library
- Media and language labs
- Indigenous discovery spaces
- Division of Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous leadership
- Large outdoor spaces with indigenous garden
- Amphitheatre
- Outdoor Multi purpose sports court.
Meet the winning design team
Following a nationwide design competition, we’re excited to unveil the winning team for our Indigenous Centre of Excellence - Sarah Lynn Rees, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, Peter Stutchbury Architecture, Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture, Uncle Dean Kelly, Hills Thalis, and Flux consultants, was selected from a shortlist of four competing teams. The winning design embodies a visionary and community-centered approach, firmly establishing the Indigenous Centre of Excellence as an Indigenous-led project rooted in Country and Indigenous knowledge.
Winning Design Team pictured from left to right: Thomas Sharp (JCB), Jane Irwin (JILA), Ché Wall (FLUX), Sarah Lynn Rees (JCB), Daniel Harmon (JILA), Fernanda Cabral (PSA), Tim Jackson (JCB). Not Pictured: Peter Stutchbury (PSA), Belinda Koopman (PSA)
What does the Indigenous Centre of Excellence mean?
Hear from our University community what this significant project means to them, the University, and the Western Sydney region. (Click the name below to see each video).
Indigenous Centre of Excellence Facts
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence:
- Will provide opportunities for the community to connect with Indigenous culture and Country, featuring learning spaces, galleries, gardens, and more.
- Aims to preserve Indigenous culture, promote cross-cultural learning, and contribute to social inclusion and recognition in Western Sydney.
- Will be accessible to all, driving educational excellence and positive outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents, including school students.
- Aligns with sustainability goals, targeting Five Star Green Star certification for a sustainable and enhanced user experience.
Project Timeline
2023 - September - National Design Competition Launch
2023 - December - National Design Competition Completed
2024 - Design, Planning Approvals and Procurement
2025 - Construction Commencement
2026 - Commencement and Opening
More about the Indigenous Centre of Excellence
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be strategically positioned on the current P1 site at Parramatta South. A parking solution is a part of the project plan, we are committed to investigating and rigorously explore all avenues to not only to maintain but enhance the current number of parking bays throughout the campus precinct. Concurrently, we are embarking on the development of the Parramatta South Place Making Strategy, a comprehensive initiative that will meticulously address all facets of transport, parking, and connectivity within our campus precinct.
Throughout this process, we will actively engage with stakeholder groups to solicit invaluable insights, ensuring a robust and inclusive strategy. Rest assured, as we finalise the details, transparent communication channels will be maintained with all students, staff, and community users.
Have more questions? Please email indigenouscentreofexcellenceproject@westernsydney.edu.au
Indigenous Futures Decadal Strategy 2023-2032
We are deeply committed to the diverse Indigenous Australian communities and proud of the positive relationships we have built. Our goal is to serve and empower our community as an anchor institution while becoming a national leader in Indigenous education, employment, and research. The Indigenous Future Decadal Strategy 2023-2032 builds upon our previous work and aims to foster the next generation of Indigenous leaders. By combining local access with global possibilities, we strive to create a bold strategic vision for the future. Join us as we shape a world where Indigenous knowledge and leadership flourish, both locally and globally.
Released 06.07.2023.
Western Sydney University Indigenous Elders Advisory Committee
Western Sydney University Indigenous Elders Advisory Committee has a vibrant group of Indigenous Australia Elders who provide advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and the university, on matters related to Indigenous culture. As esteemed members of their own communities, the Elders provide a connection between the university and matters impacting the Indigenous community in Greater Western Sydney. The Elders also assist in building Indigenous cultural viability and knowledge across the university and support Indigenous staff and students, as required. The university community consults the Elders on a diverse array of matters, ranging from the design of new spaces to the sharing of university Indigenous strategic matters.
The committee is Chaired by the Deputy Vice-Challenge Indigenous Leadership and membership is comprised of up to eight Indigenous people who are recognised as Elders in the community. We are deeply committed to the diverse Indigenous Australian communities and proud of the positive relationships we have built. Our goal is to serve and empower our community as an anchor institution while becoming a national leader in Indigenous education, employment, and research. The Indigenous Futures Decadal Strategy 2023-2032 builds upon our previous work and aims to foster the next generation of Indigenous leaders. By combining local access with global possibilities, we strive to create a bold strategic vision for the future. Join us as we shape a world where Indigenous knowledge and leadership flourish, both locally and globally. The committee meets four times per year. Sitting fees are provided.
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence project is funded by the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program in association with Western Sydney University.
Acknowledgement of Country
