09/07/2026
Every landscape has a story that began long before we arrived.
This NAIDOC Week, we’re recognising the enduring cultures, knowledge and achievements of First Nations peoples across Australia.
For more than 35 years, we've been fortunate to work alongside First Nations peoples across the Northern Territory. These experiences have broadened our understanding of Country and continue to shape our work across the NT, NSW and VIC.
Inspired by this year’s NAIDOC theme, we’re reflecting on the lessons that have helped shape our understanding of Country and the way we approach our work today.
One of the most important lessons has been the value of early collaboration. We’ve found the strongest outcomes come when Traditional Owners are involved from the very beginning of a project. Baruwei Lookout is an example of this approach, where early collaboration with the Jawoyn community helped shape both the project brief and design response to create a lookout that responds sensitively to Country.
We've also learned that every place holds stories that deserve to be understood and, where appropriate, shared. The Tiger Brennan Drive Overpass in Darwin demonstrates how public infrastructure can become a place for storytelling. Working with Larrakia artists, the project embedded cultural narratives into an everyday setting, creating opportunities for people to connect with Country through their daily journeys.
Perhaps the greatest lesson has been that learning never stops. Through conversations, shared experiences and time spent on Country, projects such as Cessnock Hospital, 12–16 Bent Street and 28 Brookhollow Avenue have been enriched through the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Together, these experiences continue to expand our understanding of landscape architecture and reinforce the important role our profession can play in recognising, celebrating and sharing the stories held within Country.
