Australia’s university campuses are undergoing a fascinating transformation, echoing the nation’s evolving social and cultural identity. These campuses, once adorned with Western traditions of cloisters and lawns, are now embracing a more inclusive and reconciliatory approach. This shift reflects a long-overdue acknowledgment of Australia’s Indigenous heritage and the desire to honor the traditional custodians of the land on which these institutions stand.
The emergence of Indigenous studies centers within universities plays a pivotal role in this reconnection process. Meaningful engagement is taking place through initiatives such as mapping traditional and historical Indigenous cultural landscapes on campus sites. Astonishingly, almost two-thirds of Australian universities have now incorporated some form of representation or interpretation of Indigeneity on at least one campus, with 50 percent directly involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Undoubtedly, a turning point has been reached in history, with a tapestry of diverse initiatives unfolding before us. The endeavor to embrace Indigenous culture on campuses materializes through yarning circles, communal spaces for congregation and participation, and the engagement of Indigenous individuals in designing gardens and cultural walks. Moreover, Indigenous histories are being unveiled through landscape-related studies and interpretive art installations, enriching the very fabric of these spaces.
The pioneering expressions of this cultural metamorphosis are noteworthy. For instance, Monash University’s Indigenous plant garden, conceptualized by Beth Gott in 1985, symbolizes a seedling of change. Another early example is the Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education garden at the University of Tasmania’s Newnham campus. Designed collaboratively by landscape architects Sinatra Murphy, Urban Initiatives, and Peter Elliott Architects, this garden weaves Indigenous wisdom into its fabric, using Tasmanian Aboriginal plants and stones to evoke a connection with the diverse landscapes of lutruwita (Tasmania).
The infusion of Indigenous interpretations is evident in numerous recent endeavors, often inspired by Aboriginal place names. At the University of Melbourne, the term ‘Wominjeka,’ meaning ‘welcome’ in Woi-Wurrung, radiates warmth through an annual ceremony that pays tribute to the Wurundjeri people. This sentiment is etched onto the Grattan Street entrance, inviting all to embrace the land’s Indigenous roots.
The University of Melbourne’s Student Precinct Project reflects an even broader transformation, initiated in consultation with Indigenous knowledge bearers from forty-five different language groups. Orchestrated by Lyons, ASPECT Studios, and GLAS Landscape Architects, with guidance from Indigenous architect Jefa Greenaway, the project resurrects the Bouverie Creek and celebrates Indigenous connections with the land, such as the migration of eels, in a post-colonial context.
In the heart of Melbourne’s tightly-packed CBD, Ngarara Place at RMIT stands as a testament to the Indigenous cultures of the Kulin Nation, showcasing the collaborative efforts of Indigenous designers Jefa Greenaway, Charles Solomon, and Aroha Groves. This vibrant space serves as a meeting point, fostering a connection to Country, facilitating knowledge exchange, and even hosting annual smoke ceremonies to sensually engage students and staff.
Australian universities have served as crucibles for experimenting with evolving environmental ethics since the 1960s. As society grapples with resource depletion and climatic fluctuations, the imperative to treat campuses holistically is more pressing than ever. These academic institutions are repositories of knowledge and a beacon of hope, with the added significance of acknowledging Indigenous custodians. This harmonious marriage of history and progress is reshaping these landscapes, paving the way for transformation on a grander scale.
In a world where universities are extending their influence beyond their physical borders, campuses have emerged as catalysts for broader societal change. The synergy between academia and the environment, coupled with a deep appreciation for Indigenous heritage, is steering Australia towards a brighter, more inclusive future. As the narrative continues to unfold, these campuses will continue to evolve, not just as centers of education, but as living embodiments of a multicultural and ecologically conscious society.
