The Worimi Nation
NSW
Murrook represents a deep collaboration between Derive Architecture & Design and the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), which began in 2013. The project aimed to create a culturally significant, multifunctional space through a comprehensive masterplan that integrated the Worimi people鈥檚 vision. The project was constructed in phases to manage costs independently of government funding. The Centre includes cultural performance spaces, conference facilities, a cultural collection and interpretation space, educational areas, a restaurant with a culinary training program, and spaces for local artists and an on-site land management initiative. Highly nuanced design strategies included adaptively reusing existing structures, using a roof form inspired by the nearby sand dunes, and a weathering steel fa莽ade integrating language with cultural significance. The project is centred around a respectful, collaborative approach, with a view to creating a lasting cultural and functional space for the community.
The Murrook greeting of 鈥淲e live here 鈥� you meet us, not the trinkets鈥� conveys the power and authenticity of a thoughtful First Nations cultural centre. Its focus is on how to best serve its own community whilst opening the door for those of other ancestry to participate and develop understanding. It caters for private rituals, community learning and gathering, yet offers social enterprise for economic sustainability.
Delivered in stages, the architecture binds an adaptively re-used, nondescript, commercial building with a more recent new building using the armature of a linking veranda and landscape. Both add scale and intimacy to create a cohesive whole.
Through careful and respectful planning and engagement between the Worimi LALC Board, the CEO and our architects, we have established the Murrook Aboriginal Cultural Centre, located near the largest coastal sand dune system in the southern hemisphere. Worimi LALC has a responsibility for training, employment and development, Murrook has now become one of the region鈥檚 largest Aboriginal employers and a thriving cultural hub. Our vision was to create a commercial space that benefits the community, balancing economic growth with cultural preservation. Murrook integrates tourism, cultural education, and land management with a unique architectural design features to connect visitors with Country.
Jason Elsley, Design Architect
Reginald Baker, Project Architect
Benjamin Egan, Graduate of Architecture
Lauren Maher, Graduate of Architecture
Bobby Bayley, Model Maker
Skelton Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
Marline Building Service Engineers, Hydraulic Consultant
RPS, Cost Consultant
Skelton Consulting Engineers, Civil Consultant
Reverb Acoustics, Acoustic Consultant
Firebird Ecosultants, Bushfire Consultant
Worimi Green Team, Landscape Consultant
EPS – Environmental Property Services, Environmental Consultants
Marline Building Services Engineers, Mechanical Consultant
Marline Building Services Engineers, Electrical Consultant
Earthsafe, Wastewater Consultant
BCA Certifiers, Principal Certifying Authority
AOM, Interpretation
TRC, Tourism Business Case
The 蜜桃影像 acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
