The vision for how UNE Tamworth will look, feel and be used continues to take shape, through co-design workshops with local and regional people, groups and businesses.
UNE, Architectus and Indigenous consultancy Yerrabingin held a Design Jam last week with local and regional First Nations people, followed by a session with the Tamworth University Reference Group.
The events were “an important start in the development of the concept”, as participants’ ideas will be used to inform the design, UNE project lead Meri Butler said.
“These engagement sessions are providing the project team with the chance to better understand the project context, and develop a set of shared project objectives and intentions,” she said.
These engagement sessions are providing the project team with the chance to better understand the project context, and develop a set of shared project objectives and intentions.
“They will continue into June as the design develops, with the schematic design being completed in July.”
The Design Jam was facilitated by Yerrabingin CEO Christian Hampson, who led small groups to brainstorm themes for the design and use of the future campus on Peel St.
Participants visited the site for a walk on Country, then gathered at The Youthie to explore how First Nations Country, culture and values could be incorporated and celebrated there.
Yerrabingin means “we walk together” in Mooktung, spoken by the Bidawal and Maneroo people of the south-eastern high country of NSW.
Mr Hampson said one of the opportunities and challenges of a new site was “moving with Country rather than on it”.
The project team will hold another Design Jam in June to share progress to date and get further input from the group.
The afternoon meeting was an opportunity for the Tamworth University Reference Group to meet the project team, discuss the site validation undertaken by Architectus, and share ideas and vision for the project.
