A Cultural Revitalisation—Sod turned for Namabunda Farm’s Cultural and Educational Centre
The 50-year anniversary of the Bundjalung Tribal Society (BTS) marked the beginning of a momentous new chapter in the Alstonville hinterland – celebrated with the turning of sod for the new cultural and educational centre at Namabunda Farm/Nyungbal [red earth].
The purpose-built centre continues a story which began tens of thousands of years ago. Located on Bundjalung Country in Northern NSW, this project is a major milestone for cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. Namabunda Farm has achieved 83% Indigenous procurement on the project, achieved through construction, engineering, design and project management services.
The planned Bundjalung Tribal Society cultural and educational centre at Alstonville.
Nyungbal, a 32-hectare property in Northern NSW, is a vibrant place of cultural strength and healing. In the past year alone, BTS has delivered more than 90 community workshops and events, reaching over 1,300 participants through bush food and cultural programs, language revitalisation and art workshops, ecology and land care initiatives, machinery and tools training, and wellbeing programs and school-based visits. All activities are delivered by First Nations Knowledge Holders and Elders, ensuring cultural integrity and community ownership.
Nguluway DesignInc and the project team consisting of Hunter Boorn, Jabin Group, and Willowtree Planning joined Bundjalung Elders, the community, elected officials including the Hon. Janelle Saffin MP, and government partners for the ceremony.
It is an honour and privilege to walk alongside the Bundjalung Peoples as we bring their vision to life said Nguluway DesignInc Managing Director and Wiradjuri architect, Craig Kerslake.
‘For years, Elders, community leaders, and cultural advisors have shaped this project into what it is today: a living, breathing place where Country leads, and culture thrives. Namabunda Farm is not a conventional development, but is a healing landscape, a teaching place, and a home. It’s also a proud demonstration of self-determination, with an almost entirely Indigenous-led team delivering every layer of design and construction.’
The Cultural Centre is set to become a sanctuary for cultural and educational activities, a place for community gathering which showcases the Bundjalung People’s deep connection to the natural world to which they find their belonging. Inspired by the goanna totem, the design philosophy embraces Designing with Country, incorporating abstract elements of the goanna and Caring for Country in its sustainability design elements that reflect its natural surrounds. This physical and symbolic anchor grounds the project in cultural practices and celebrates the enduring strength of the community. A large earthen wall spans the clusters of buildings, punctuated with decks with large canopies spanning over which emulate tree canopies, forming verandas, gathering spaces, and gardens, forming a culturally vibrant space for ceremony, learning, storytelling, and exchange. Places for cultural practice to unfold.
‘This Centre is more than just bricks and mortar—it is a space where culture is strengthened, at times reinvigorated, community are empowered, and the future will be shaped on our terms, said BTS Chairperson, Tracey King. ‘A place where our knowledge systems will grow, where young people will learn from Elders, and where the broader community can come together with respect and connection.’
Nyungbal (Namabunda Farm) is already recognised as a model for meaningful cultural infrastructure, having received ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2024 NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Awards, The Summit. As the construction phase begins, we look forward to seeing this powerful vision take shape; a place where the Bundjalung story continues to grow, where many Bundjalung find a reinvigorated connection to their culture and where future generations will learn, heal, and belong.
Nguluway DesignInc proudly delivered the community engagement and Designing with Country which is at the core of the architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and masterplanning response on this essential community project.
“This is not merely a culturally safe place; it’s a culturally extraordinary place.”
Project Information
Client: Bundjalung Tribal Society (BTS)
Project Team: Hunter Boorn, Nguluway DesignInc, Jabin, Willowtree Planning, Community First Development, NSW Corrective Services
Nguluway DesignInc Team: Craig Kerslake (Wiradjuri), Niwili White Forrest (Ngangiwumerri & Ngangikurrungurr), Ian Armstrong, Lodi van Eeghen, Liam Khan (Kamilaroi), Ty Olson (Biripi)
Site Size: 32ha
