Brambuk Cultural Centre Revitalisation
The Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, set within the landscape of Gariwerd (Grampians National Park), is a place of deep cultural significance. Named after Brambuk, the white cockatoo totem of the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples it was designed and built in close collaboration with Traditional Owners as a “living cultural centre” rather than a static museum.Opened in 1990 and designed by architect Greg Burgess, the award-winning building embodies connection to Country. Its flowing roofline mirrors Gariwerd’s mountain ranges and the form of the cockatoo, while each material and structural element symbolises the five Aboriginal communities it represents: the Kirrae Whurong, Gunditjmara, Goolum Goolum, Kerrup Jmara, and the Aboriginal Elders Cooperative of Lake Condah.
For more than three decades, Brambuk has been a place for education, cultural exchange, and reconciliation, welcoming visitors to experience workshops, exhibitions, performances, and stories.
The Renewal Project
Kirby Architects are the lead consultant on this significant project, bringing our expertise in heritage-sensitive design, cultural engagement, sustainability, and accessibility to ensure the works honour Brambuk’s legacy while meeting contemporary standards.
Central to our approach has been listening to, learning from, and working closely with the First Nations Traditional Owners to understand their aspirations for Brambuk’s future. This renewal is part of a significant transition, as the centre will be handed back from Parks Victoria to the Traditional Owners. The works are designed not only to preserve the building’s architectural and cultural integrity, but also to enhance the spaces in ways that reflect community priorities and create a welcoming, functional environment for future generations.
The renovation focuses on improving accessibility, ensuring water-tightness, enhancing bushfire resilience, and increasing energy efficiency, while preparing flexible “warm shell” spaces for future tenant fitouts.
Community Project
Scope
- Architecture
