Yarrabing Secondary College acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the country upon which we learn and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
The Wurundjeri People take their name from the Woiwurrung language word ‘wurun’ meaning the Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) which is common along ‘Birrarung’ (Yarra River), and ‘djeri‘, the grub which is found in or near the tree. Wurundjeri are the ‘Witchetty Grub People’ and our Ancestors have lived on this land for millennia.
For more information visit www.wurundjeri.com.au
Indigenous Design Elements at Yarrabing Secondary College
In designing the college, consultations were had with the Wurundjeri People. As a result, the design team looked at exploring ways of incorporating the stories and heritage of the first nations people and be inclusive of their culture in the building of the new schools. The main threads of the design narrative are a connection to nature and a connection to place.
Welcome to Country – At main entry, etching on rock boulder ‘welcome to country’ in the indigenous language.
Mottos & educational phrases etched in furniture – Mottos and phrases etched in furniture in both English and Indigenous language (where translation is available)
Native fauna & flora patterns – Grit blast and print onto concrete surface – potentially used as directional patterns.
Indigenous & native planting – Emphasis on use of native and indigenous plant species. Dedicated zone for bush food and bush earth oven in ground used by first nations peoples. Where applicable bush food to have name tags with indigenous name noted.
Form/Shape – Amphitheatre seating – winding ‘serpentine’ shaped tiered seating representing lizards, snakes, eels. Use of boomerang shape bench seats.
Outdoor Learning ‘Nests’ – Representing birds nests. (Nest – a place of ‘nurture’) flexible space [variety of seating types and configuration. Oval shape shade structures/ pergolas over ‘learning nests with laser cut metal sheet representing, native flora, fauna, and local landscape theme [birds, frogs, turtle, gecko, reptiles, flowers, emu in sky)
‘Flow’ pattern – watercourse – The courtyards and the learning spaces throughout the schools are integrated and connected, linking users both socially and to the natural environment by the natural ‘flow’ as pattern on surfaces and features. The inspiration of ‘flow’ is derived from the natural water courses neighbouring the school region. (Kororoit Creek).
Hardcourts Theme – Hardcourts to have different theme acrylic colour finish and names in indigenous Language. Emphasis on use of earthy/soft tones/colour oxide in concrete (e.g. Beige, terracotta, Ochre, grey, eucalypt green) with splash of bright colours (shades from native flora and fauna).
At Yarrabing we have the following themes in the Woi-Wurrung language:
– Wadherrung (Platypus Court) Theme Colour – Blue
– Barraimal (Emu Court) Theme Colour – Green
– Warrin (Wombat Court) Theme Colour – Red
– Gawarn (Echinda Court) Theme Colour – Earthy Tones
