Aboriginal Knowledges Centre

The University of South Australia will build an Aboriginal Knowledges Centre this year at its City West campus, with completion expected in 2026, thanks to a nationally significant gift from the Wood Foundation and University funding.

The centre, Yaitya Ngutu Wardli in the Kaurna language, will involve a comprehensive redevelopment of the ground floor and courtyard of the University’s Lewis O’Brien / Yarlupurka building on the corner of George Street and North Laneway. It will include indoor and outdoor spaces that provide a supportive, welcoming environment for Aboriginal students, staff and community members, and a space to encourage discussions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.

Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, Standing Acting Vice Chancellor of UniSA, says “We are grateful to our donors for helping to bring this vision to life, notably a nationally significant gift of $2.5 million from the Wood Foundation to support this important project.”

Anna Wood of the Wood Foundation says “The Wood Foundation is deeply honoured to support the establishment of the Aboriginal Knowledges Centre at the University of South Australia.

“This meaningful initiative aligns closely with the foundation’s mission and holds special significance to the Wood Family. It is especially close to my heart and I hope it inspires others.”

The UniSA community worked closely with highly acclaimed design practitioners Jefa Greenaway (a Wailwan/Kamilaroi man) of Greenaway Architects and Paul Herzich (a Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri man) of Mantirri Design, working in association with Swanbury Penglase to envisage a Centre which will be anchored in Country through a rich design that authentically expresses First Nations’ cultures.  Aboriginal ideas and perspectives have been embedded in the project through extensive consultation with Aboriginal students, staff and Elders.

Uncle Frank Wanganeen, a Kaurna/Narrunga man and member of UniSA’s Purkarninthi in Residence Elders group, says “Yaitya Ngutu Wardli will bring students, staff and the community together to foster an appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal Knowledges and cultures.”

“It will be a dedicated space for gathering, for yarning and teaching, celebrating and participating in a wide range of cultural activities,” Uncle Frank says.

Prof Hughes-Warrington says “The centre will play a strategic role in bringing communities together for events that progress the recruitment, retention and progression of Aboriginal students, researchers and educators.

“It will facilitate two-way knowledge sharing and mutual respect, promoting First Nations and non-Aboriginal peoples to engage collaboratively.

“It will help to amplify Aboriginal knowledges, cultures and communities, and accelerate our ambitions for Aboriginal success.”

The new centre at City West adds to dedicated Aboriginal spaces including student support centres at several UniSA campuses, and recently completed or planned yarning circles at its Mount Gambier, Mawson Lakes and Whyalla campuses.

UniSA was the first university in Australia to include the advancement of Aboriginal Peoples in its charter, which has been strengthened by multiple Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). This commitment is continuing into Adelaide University, including articulation in its founding legislation and a focus on growing Aboriginal participation, progression and knowledge sharing, and building cultural awareness and understanding within the broader community.

The Aboriginal Knowledges Centre is a key element of UniSA’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023-2025. It will support the delivery of many ambitious commitments under the RAP, including developing graduates who understand Australia’s colonial history and the impact on Aboriginal Peoples and cultures, and growing the retention and success rates of Aboriginal students to equal those of non-Aboriginal students.

Construction will commence in the second half of 2025.