BEGINNINGS - First Peoples’ Architecture - event wrap by RAA president Tim Lee

COOLENDEL, 19TH-21ST OCTOBER 2023.
Photography by tom roe with stormtech factory photos by katharina hendel

THE IDYLLIC ANCIENT LANDSCAPE SURROUNDING THE SHOALHAVEN RIVER’S TRADITIONAL MEETING PLACE AND CROSSING PLAYED HOST TO OUR THIRD EVENT OF 2023.

BEGINNINGS was an exploration of First Nations culture and customs through a series of yarning circles and workshops, curated by Renee McGuinn and Wes Hindmarsh in association with Raymond Timbery, Uncle Steve and members of Gadhungal Marring, Dharrawal Traditional custodians.

BEGINNINGS presented us with an opportunity to participate in knowledge sharing and learning. Gadhungal Marring gave us an insight into their unique understanding of land, providing participants with an appreciation for the natural heritage which First Nations peoples have cared for, worked with and lived from for thousands of years.

The event began with Drew Longbottom welcoming us to Country through a smoking ceremony and storytelling. Drew then led us on the first of many yarning sessions exploring our sense of place and our appreciation of traditional lands.

We ended the first day in a discussion with Paul Johnson as he presented his paper Truth, examining the occupation of Tasmania and questioning the Eurocentric view of architectural significance that we learn through traditional architectural education.

After Breakfast on Friday, we experienced first-hand knowledge-sharing of weaving and construction techniques used in making rope, fish traps and the traditional Gunyah shelter. We sat and yarned, sharing stories of our experiences while listening to and learning of the wealth of understanding and kinship First Nations peoples have built over time: Continuously remembering what is past and adapting to the ever-changing nature of the lands they walk over and care for.

Early evening saw Gadhungal Marring members and their families participating in a wonderful corroboree, celebrating traditional dances and sharing the teachings and stories embedded in each dance.

Trent Jansen then presented his collaboration with first Nations couple, Tanya Singer and Errol Evans resulting in the body of work called Kurunpa Kunpu | Strong Spirit. This body of work encompasses the process of design anthropology, imbuing layers of cultural and physical significance into the created pieces. The incredibly strong geometries of dried cracked earth, shields and spears are delicately constructed to appear almost contradictory to the western furniture forms of chair, credenza and cupboard. Trent’s presentation marked the end of an amazing day.

BEGINNINGS began on the Saturday with a discussion panel facilitated by Katharina Hendel. Panellists included Elders Raymond and Uncle Steve as well as Lee Hillam and Noel Thomson. The panel raised, examined and discussed topics around education and the significance of the development of ways to understand and draw on the heritage and history of the land through shared experience. The discussion was vigorous and allowed many viewpoints to be raised, presenting a thought-provoking conclusion to the main program.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion, we moved on to tour the Stormtech factory. Not only did we get to see and appreciate this state-of-the-art regional manufacturing facility, but we were also treated to a personal gift made in front of us using the manufacturing equipment. Big thanks to Troy from Stormtech for leading one of the most immersive and informative factory tours I have had the pleasure of attending.

As a result of BEGINNINGS, the Regional Architecture Association is excited to continue the discussion and learning by working with Gadhungal Marring on the development of instructive sessions centred on traditional viewpoints and knowledge.

Finally, a big thank you to Emily Knight, Renee Mcguinn and Rhiannon Slatter for their incredible event management and to the committee for all their support. Also big thanks to the tech members, Adbri, Stormtech, Evoheat and Arcpanel who supported the event and continue to provide such great technical knowledge to our members.

We look forward to seeing you all on 15th March for our next event at Rosby Winery in Mudgee.

Want to join the RAA for our next event? Perhaps become a member of the RAA or know someone who would? Spread the word and reach out via this website.