2. Embedding Tasmanian Aboriginal Presence on the Inveresk Precinct While the location and functionality of Riawunna (the centre/ the building) is important, and will have some influence on how the landscape develops, there is a wider narrative that needs to be considered and explored in relation to the precinct development as a whole. The landscape across the site and the ‘spaces’ between the buildings can be both purposeful and meaningful, for the staff, students and the Aboriginal and wider community. This can be achieved by embedding an array of cultural experiences including but not limited to a healing garden, edible Aboriginal plants, micro gardens (smaller versions of the cultural garden), interpretation trails focused on passing on of Aboriginal knowledges, recognising Aboriginal presence on the site through the ages, and providing information on people from the Aboriginal community. The projects identified by the Reference group although incorporating Riawunna ‘ the Centre’ are focused on the landscape (urban realm) itself. Some of the Identified projects that the group would like to further develop and embed in the Inveresk precinct include: • Placement of the Guardian stones (a series of stones that were transported from the Gorge to the current Riawunna site) these are separate to the nation stones and can be placed outside of the cultural garden • Community engagement space (for educational and ceremonial events) • Educational and interpretation trails • Healing and reflection circles • Tasmanian Aboriginal food systems – gardens, trails and food • Use of language i.e. Palawa Kani across the site • Art installations • Use of symbols in the landscape These projects need to considered by the wider Tasmanian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community (not just the representatives from Riawunna) to ensure that the precinct truly engages and embraces the community as a whole. Key stakeholders and consultation: • Tasmanian Aboriginal Reference Group • Transformation Program • SteerCo • Prof Maggie Walter - Pro Vice-Chancellor Aboriginal Research and Leadership & Professor in Sociology • UTAS community – internal and external • External Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and organisations
ultimately provide overarching design drivers that could inform the transformation of the landscape across the precinct. This will form the basis of Workshop 3. Key Issues: It emerged during the workshops that a key component of embedding the Tasmanian Aboriginal presence on the site at Inveresk was where Riawunna (the centre/ building) would be located. The Knowledges of Country identified a number of key criteria that needed to be met to enable Riawunna to function as a true cultural centre and deliver its range of services to the community in a culturally significant way. The Knowledges of Country addresses two main themes, Riawunna the Centre and Tasmanian Aboriginal presence in the landscape authentically; including the stones, rocks and plant. 1. Riawunna – the Centre (the building itself) Riawunna is focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success and provides a culturally safe space for students to study and access academic and cultural support. Riawunna delivers a variety of access, support, retention and counselling services, including the Murina program. It has close ties with the wider Student Experience network of services, including the library. Riawunna has identified some core requirements to guide where they are located on the Inveresk precinct. These include a direct connection to country (the earth /land) and the associated cultural garden. This cultural garden is predominately used by the staff, students and community directly associated with Riawunna the Centre for community, educational and spiritual purposes. • The stones representing the Tas Aboriginal nations • Indigenous plants of specified varieties used for educational and ceremonial purpose Although it would be desirable to have sight lines to sky, rivers, mountains and surrounding seas, it is the connection to ‘earth’ that is paramount: • It is at the entrance to the University – highly visible • Has two flagpoles (for the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag) • It is connected to the Student Experience area – particularly counselling, and support services • It is in close proximity to the Library – the current Riawunna building has its own library; this will now form part of the wider University library and be known as the Riawunna Collection • That all materials that make up the gardens and other areas of landscape are sourced authentically, including the stones, rocks and plants. Riawunna’s space requirements include: • A community room with a kitchen facility • A teaching space – for Murina Program • Reception / Welcome area • Associated staff offices for the delivery of services (counselling, retention and support services) • There is an area schedule outlining their specific needs The cultural garden contains: • The firepit
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