Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Traditional Owner Engagement and Codesign
An unprecedented opportunity to work with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to integrate a design approach that adheres to, and showcases, the principles of Caring for Country.
Completion / 2021
Client / City of Darebin
Traditional Owners / Wurundjeri
Collaborators / Aunty Joy Murphy, Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr and Craig Murphy
Location / Wurundjeri Country / Melbourne, Victoria
Lead Architect / Warren and Mahoney
Photography / Tom Roe
Awards / 2025 Good Design Award - Built Environment Installation Design
Greenshoot’s approach to this engagement and design was underpinned by the desire to establish meaningful and reciprocal relationships with the area’s Traditional Owners, ensuring that the outcomes are meaningful and resonate with Wurundjeri.
Greenshoot applied an integrated approach to the following two phases:.
Traditional Owner Engagement including a review of existing design materials, suggest opportunities to amplify Indigenous knowledge and cultural narrative within the overall project.
Indigenous-led Design including transforming insights gathered during the engagement phase into design outcomes, consistent with the aspirations of the Wurundjeri Traditional Owners, project team and overall architectural and landscape design.
“The strength of the project lies in the co-design process and the expression of First Nations culture through place is both visually compelling and educational. The shadows cast by the Kingfisher sculpture is particularly beautiful and well executed. A powerful example of world class design.”
2025 Good Design Awards jury citation