scheduled to include Jen Smit and Jacqueline Power to look at how the philosophy could be spatially translated to inform the design and build of the Inveresk site as a whole. Running concurrently the wider group will engage in some external consultation with other Tasmanian Aboriginal groups
and consider a variety of projects that can be actualised now and into the future which will embed the Tasmanian Aboriginal presence at the Inveresk site. (An initial list of these projects and ideas will be outlined in the accompanying brief). It was also discussed that a similar process could be undertaken for West Park and the Hobart City development.
Notes from Aboriginal Reference Group workshop 2
Date: 10 May 2019 Location: Railway Cottage Attendees: Caroline Spotswood, Clair Anderson, Aunty Patsy Cameron, Dave Warrener, Tania Harvey (note taker) The purpose of this workshop was to gather a focus group to discuss and develop a statement of philosophy on Aboriginal culture in Tasmania that could be used for positioning approaches to representing Aboriginal knowledge. A discussion Paper, dated May, 2019 was circulated to the members of the group and discussed in the meeting. The aim of the initial workshop was to explore ideas that have already been tabled relating to how the Aboriginal communities would like to celebrate and represent not only their ancient history and practices but their current and future presence. The group discussed the following: • It was decided that it was important to more fully explore and document the ‘Philosophy’ behind the formation of Riawunna. That this philosophy would be key to informing how the Inveresk site might be approached. • A revisiting of the motivations and values that informed the current Riawunna ‘building and landscape’ at Newnham identified that there was (and is) a distinctive philosophy underlying Riawunna’s current placement on site. It was reaffirmed that this thinking should be applied to the Inveresk site as a whole – that this underlying philosophy has a direct impact on how cultural, and historical linkages manifest ‘in place’ be they physical, visual and spiritual. The current Newnham buildings physical representation is a direct embodiment of the circle of history, knowledge and being of place. Riawunna means ‘circle’ – this circle needs to remain unbroken, therefore thought must be given to how this is transferred to and represented on the new campus. These core motivations and values need to be part of any vison for Inveresk and as such require some degree of translation to the new site. • The discussion also highlighted that there are many layers of Aboriginal presence on the Inveresk site that stretch across time. Although the early history of the islands
first peoples is important, Inveresk and Invermay had a significant Tasmanian Aboriginal presence particularly in the 50s and 60s when many Aboriginal families lived in the area, some of whom worked at the railway. There were also many sporting identities and influential community members that could and should be recognised as we move forward. How this manifests itself at the new campus needs further discussion and could form part of the work undertaken by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Reference Group. The Stones, Fire Pit and Ceremonial Space • The relocation of the ceremonial stones from Riawunna, Aboriginal Nations could be placed at significant points on the site—or alternatively grouped together to frame and inform a new garden. There are some stones that need replacing – originally there were 5 stones from the South West Nation that formed a Cairn. The stones themselves could also be used as part of an interactive educational trail that is embedded in the campus landscape. Newnham to the Inveresk site is of paramount importance– the Stones representing Tasmanian • In addition to the ceremonial stones, the current garden at Riawunna has 13 large boulders that were transported from the Gorge – they are known as the Guardian stones. Originally when the garden was designed it was deemed of importance to connect Riawunna to places of significance (the Gorge and Rocky Cape), the stones embody Tasmania Aboriginal essence and are seen as Guardians of the campus. It would be good to consider whether these boulders can also be relocated – they do not necessarily need to form part of the cultural garden but could be used somewhere else onsite. • The fire pit at the current Riawunna site will need to be recreated at the new Inveresk site. The fire pit is key to many community and ceremonial activities and provides a central point of reference during such. • The coals / ashes from the fire pit will need to be gathered and transported to the new fire pit at Inveresk, the ashes are of symbolic importance • It is important that there is an area that can be used for
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