Western Sydney University has announced the finalists selected for their Indigenous Centre of Excellence Design Competition. OCULUS is pleased to be part of the shortlisted Ngalaiya Collective team, led by Greenaway Architects x Greenshoot Consulting, alongside COLA Studio, NH Architecture, Jabin, and Atelier Ten.

To be situated on Darug Country at Western Sydney University Parramatta South campus, the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will exemplify a harmonious connection between the built environment and the natural world and provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples to celebrate culture and connect with First Peoples across the globe.

Prioritising sustainability, respect for the land, and cultural engagement through Indigenous ecological knowledge and custodianship, the university aims to create a space that fosters education, ignites possibilities, transforms lives, and paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The competition sought submissions that embody a deep respect for Indigenous ways of thinking, knowing, and being, embracing diverse Indigenous cultures, languages, and practices.

The Chair of the Design Competition Selection Committee, Dillon Kombumerri, emphasised the importance of this project, stating, "The quality of the entries and the overwhelming interest in the competition underscore the significance of this project. Designers from around the country recognise the Indigenous Centre of Excellence as a unique opportunity to contribute to First Peoples’ education and culture. The selected finalists have demonstrated exceptional potential in shaping this iconic First Nations space."

The winning design is expected to be announced at the end of 2023.