Work starts on Aboriginal Knowledges Centre
By Megan Andrews
COMMUNITY Sod turning to mark the beginning of work on the Aboriginal Knowledges CentreA groundbreaking ceremony on 13 November kicked off construction of UniSA’s highly anticipated Aboriginal Knowledges Centre at its City West campus.
The University was honoured to host Purkarninthi Elders Uncle David, Uncle Frank, Aunty Roslyn and Uncle Kym, and representatives from the Wood Foundation, among other guests at the event.
The centre, Yaitya Ngutu Wardli (pronounced YAIT-cha NGUT-oo WAD-lee) in the Kaurna language, will feature indoor and outdoor spaces to provide a welcoming environment for Aboriginal students, staff and community members and an interdisciplinary hub to support the delivery of ambitious commitments from teaching and learning, to research and community engagement.
Guests were addressed by UniSA Chancellor John Hill, Standing Acting Vice Chancellor Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington and UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy Professor Tina Brodie. Distinguished Professor Irene Watson (former UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy) was acknowledged for her vision for the centre.
“This is an example of what can be achieved with a combined effort, including staff, students, community and of course the guidance, knowledge and leadership of the Purkarninthi Elders,” Prof Brodie said.
“Our Aboriginal Knowledges Centre has been built on respect, collaboration and knowledge sharing, and these foundations will endure long after the paint has dried and the new plants are fully grown.
“This is part of UniSA’s longstanding commitment to growing Aboriginal participation, progression and knowledge sharing, and building cultural awareness and understanding within the broader community.”
The project is supported by a significant gift of $2.5 million from the Wood Foundation, who Chancellor Hill thanked for “walking with us and the UniSA community as this project has come to life.”
It will involve a comprehensive redevelopment of the ground floor and courtyard of the University’s Lewis O’Brien / Yarlupurka building on the corner of George Street and North Laneway.
The UniSA community has worked closely with highly acclaimed design practitioners Jefa Greenaway (a Wailwan/Kamilaroi man) of Greenaway Architects and Paul Herzich (a Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri man) of Mantirri Design, working in association with Swanbury Penglase to envisage a Centre which will be anchored in Country through a rich design that authentically expresses First Nations’ cultures. Aboriginal ideas and perspectives have been embedded in the project through extensive consultation with Aboriginal students, staff and Elders.
UniSA’s commitment to Aboriginal participation and progression has been articulated in the founding legislation and strategic vision for Adelaide University, and will continue into the new university.
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