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David Payne Constructions are construting the new Baaka Cultural Centre.

August 7, 2024

e are in admirating of the skill, care and speed David Payne Constructions are construting the new Baaka Cultural Centre. The community is excited for what is an important project for them.

It is inspiring to work with a broad range of people from different backrounds and organisations who are completely committed realising this expresion of Barkandji self determination. The community has warmly welcomed us at every stage and soon everyone will have more of an opportunity to be touched by this special place and its special people.

You can really start to feel the internal spaces taking shape including the sacredkeeping place at the heart of the building.

Earth from Country for the rammed earth has been sourced to imbue and connect the building with Country. The colour is being selected to resonate with the existing colonial heritage building on the site (the old Knox & Downs Department Store) and the existing stunning colonial buildings of Wilcannia.

The design is the result of a thorough and extensive participatory design process that saw all parts of the community involved. At its core is the sacred keeping place which will enable the repatriation of artifacts and culture. Importantly this and the rest of the building will support the prodution and keeping of contemporary Barkandji culture including the learning of language. Beyond this it will serve as a community centre and hub connecting the community and facilitating interactions and experiences withe tourists. This will no doubt lead to meaningful livelihoods on Country.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, please be aware the Kaunitz Yeung Architecture website contains images of deceased persons.

The Kaunitz Yeung Architecture team acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the nation.
We recognise the original Custodians of Country, their ongoing connection to the land, sky, seas, cultures and communities - paying our respects to Elders, past and present.