THE Munarra Centre is more than just a striking architectural feat – it is a profound cultural beacon, meticulously designed to celebrate and integrate First Nations culture and heritage. Every aspect of the building, from its shape to its artistic details, reflects a deep commitment to cultural expression and community connection.
The building is shaped like the Aboriginal flag, best viewed from above. The courtyard is positioned in the centre, opened to the sky. This choice not only honours the flag’s symbolism of unity and identity but also embeds cultural significance into the very structure of the Centre, with all areas having access to the outside world and to Country.
Arches shaped like emu eggs further deepen this connection. Emu eggs are emblematic of nurturing and protection, symbolising the Centre’s role in supporting and guiding the younger generation. This theme of care and growth is echoed throughout the building’s design, creating a welcoming space for all who enter.
Belinda Briggs, Kaiela Arts vice president and Nanyak adviser, said, “The artwork before you, wrapping around and woven throughout is a representation of who we are, where we come from and informing our visions of the future.
“Together with wonderful artists and community we created a meaningful story that we could see ourselves and our identity in.
“Kaiela Arts had the honour to work with artists Glennys Briggs, Norm Stewart and Suzanne Atkinson, in collaboration with Stewart Russell and Danica Millar of Spacecraft, architects ARM Architecture and landscape architects Bush Projects Landscape Architecture to bring those things that give us our stories to life.”
Belinda explained that Aunty Glennys’ work spanning the front entrance informs us that ceremony, knowledge and spirit is here. The work depicts a bullroarer and a string bag, traditional items used in ceremonies. These elements are not merely decorative but serve as conduits for cultural transmission and knowledge, linking visitors with Aboriginal traditions.
Suzanne Atkinson’s Bull Ants speak to the might of an individual but also the strength in numbers, the resilience to endure, determination to overcome and an invincible spirit.
On the east and west ends of the building, Uncle Norm Stewart’s depiction of the blowhole at Tocumwal acts as a portal to other worlds, representing the connection to land and ancestral stories. Similarly, Uncle Norm’s Three Rivers artwork pays homage to Dungala, Kaiela and Yakoa, or Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe rivers, and draws eyes skyward, inviting respect for our waterways, and the life that they, the sun, and that ancestors, provide.
