The UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre celebrated the opening of their re-designed courtyard and meeting place last week.
The courtyard is the outdoor space connected to the Oorala foyer and is used extensively for staff, student and community events and gatherings. Planning for the redesign began in early 2021 and included consultation with a community group and the use of landscape architects. The final design incorporates a yarning circle, a grinding stone and garden space with native plantings for cultural activities.
Guest were Welcomed to Country by Uncle Steve Widders and a smoking ceremony. Other formalities included speeches by Acting Director of Oorala Sam Fowler, Bruce Cohen and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Evans, a didgeridoo performance and music by the Kelly Gang. Guests also had the opportunity to add their handprints to the external walls using ochre, as a symbol of coming together and friendship.
In his speech Professor Evans thanked everyone who had a part in bringing this beautiful space together from consultation to design to creation.
The redesign project was a collaboration between EBE, the JNC group who won the tender and Eyedeal Solutions.
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