The design for Western Sydney University’s (WSU) $78.5 million Indigenous Centre of Excellence in Parramatta has officially been revealed.
Unveiled at a special event, WSU said the design has been guided by Country and brings to life a vision for a community-centric, transformational building that integrates Indigenous knowledges.
The centre is set to feature a new state-of-the-art theatre and cinema, exhibition galleries, teaching and learning facilities and Indigenous discovery space.
Integrating innovative and sustainable principles, WSU said the new facility will feature an entirely Indigenous planted landscape, honouring the site’s ecological heritage and providing spaces for both human and non-human kin, fostering gathering, respite, shelter, and play.
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be based at the Parramatta South campus, located on Darug land.
“Deeply connected with Country and Indigenous knowledges, the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a transformational space where communities can connect with the university while learning from and celebrating our incredible culture,” Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Professor Michelle Trudgett, said.
The centre has been designed by Sarah Lynn Rees, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB), Peter Stutchbury Architecture and Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture, with Uncle Dean Kelly, Hill Thalis Architecture and Flux Consult.
The building will also target a 6-star Green Star rating and feature a mass timber structure using Australian hardwoods. The design intends to prioritise Indigenous and Country-focused materials and suppliers with the façade to be constructed using clay sourced directly from Country.
Professor Jennifer Westacott, WSU Chancellor, said the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a “benchmark for Indigenous leadership and education.”
“It forms an important part of Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Strategy 2020-2025, which aims to increase Indigenous participation in higher education, fostering emerging Indigenous leaders for decades to come,” she added.
The purpose-built facility will support the sharing and preservation of Indigenous cultures while informal learning spaces will provide opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
It will feature an Indigenous library, Elders lounge, Indigenous research and student facilities, and an internal and external community gathering space.
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and interests and will provide an opportunity to learn about the rich stories, language and cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples, to explore arts and cultural collections, and to attend performances, talks and screenings.
The Indigenous Centre of Excellence has been supported by a $78.5 million grant from the NSW Government.
The centre is anticipated to be completed and open for operation in 2026.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.