Back to Blog

Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (WATSIC) to first secure the funding and then to design their new culturally appropriate community residential aged care facility in Lota, Queenslan

June 25, 2023

Over the last 12 months, we have been supporting Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (WATSIC) to first secure the funding and then to design their new culturally appropriate community residential aged care facility in Lota, Queensland. It has been an incredible 12 months of collaboration and iterative design, engaging with the WATSIC Board members and community to evolve the design to their specific requirements and thoroughly connect with Country.

The resultant design will support a humane and culturally appropriate home that is graciously open to all. It thoughtfully connects to Country through materiality, siting and scale. Importantly, it is sited on already disturbed land, and with the input of @arcadia, will heal Country through significant rehabilitation of the site. Integrated with spaces and places for community interaction, the design will facilitate intergenerational teaching of culture, strengthening the continuity of culture. Most importantly, as the first project on the site, it will set the tone for placing wellness at the centre of community.

The State’s Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath, highlighted the significance of the facility’s design, saying, “The design of the Wynnum facility is very different to aged care facilities as we know them, and it’s much more aware of what our First Nations people need. It’s been co-designed by them. There will be yarning circles, there will be areas for sorry business, and that is really important, and things that are completely lacking in a normal aged care facility.”

agedcareaustralia agedcare architecture australianarchitecture aboriginalaustralia aboriginalhealth indigenous indigenouscommunities indigenoushealth designingthefuture biophilicdesign humancentereddesign communityengagement communityempowerment communitydevelopment

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.