BEGINNINGS – First Peoples’ Architecture | a Regional Architecture Association Experience

A continuation of their support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Regional Architecture Association (RAA)’s next event, BEGINNINGS – First Peoples’ Architecture is a chance to be immersed in a deep cultural experience of architecture and language from the families and elders who have an ancient connection to Coolendel.

Running from October 19-21 2023 at Coolendel Camp, 40 minutes west of Nowra, attendees will be actively building structures in true collaboration with the traditional custodians who themselves built on this same site. Attendees will also be taking part in a Corroboree, Yarning Circles and even a cold plunge in the Shoalhaven.

Creative Directors for this event are Renee McGuinn of MAAD Studio and Wesley Hindmarch of Local Architect South Coast. The creative directors are working in collaboration with Raymond Timbery of Ghadungal Marring, Dharrawal Traditional Custodians who facilitate and deliver cultural programs and experiences on Dharrawal Dhurga land. Ghadungal Marring are uniquely positioned to address the CPD competencies around indigenous knowledge now required by architects. Dharrawal Yuin Raymond Timbery along with elders Uncle Steve, Uncle PC, Uncle Paul, Aunty Lauren and Aunty Nat will lead attendees through workshops sharing their knowledge as custodians of the Dharawal.

Raymond will guide us through a Welcome to Country and an explanation of Coolendel’s local importance as a meeting place and source of food. Each of the Uncles will yarn and introduce the making of gunyas (a traditional home made from wood or bark) and fish traps, with the Aunties leading traditional weaving workshops.

Renowned furniture designer Trent Jansen will speak about his practice and his immense respect for cultural heritage which sees him frequently collaborating with indigenous creators in his work.

The event will conclude with a panel discussion around continuity of use, heritage and place; places of sharing knowledge in Country and their relevance to the Burra Charter (a periodically updated document that seeks to develop an understanding of cultural heritage management) and contemporary considerations of heritage. Ngamba Elder Uncle Paul Gordon and heritage architect Noel Thomson will present and contextualise this discussion with fellow panellists architect Lee Hillam and Dharrawal Yuin Raymond Timbery.

This event seeks to forge long standing connections between Country, architecture, and heritage, creating pathways and actions for a connected architectural future. This transformative event will further bridge the gap between indigenous culture, our understanding of heritage and how we better articulate this experience through practice.

More information: regionalarchitecture.net.au

Bookings: events.humanitix.com/beginnings-first-peoples-architecture