Inspired by the NSW Government Architect’s Strategy 2024–2033
Q:What is “Connecting with Country”?
Country is more than land.
In Aboriginal cultures, “Country” means land, waters, skies, animals, plants, stories, and people—all connected. Aboriginal people have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years.
Q: What does “Connecting with Country” mean?
It means listening to Country, respecting it, and living with it cooperatively. Indigenous Australians have very complex and special ways of knowing and being connected to Country, and it is too complex to simply define. If you were to capture what Country means to Indigenous Australians you could refer to this quote by Ngunnawal Elder, Jude Barlow:
“Country is everything. It’s family, it’s life, it’s connection”
Q: What does “Connecting with Country” mean in NSW design planning?
The NSW Government Architect has implemented a design strategy to help designers create better buildings and places for people to use. The strategy aims to make things that help us, like buildings, parks, and cities, become better ‘connected to Country’ and helping Country stay healthy and alive. This strategy is about working with Aboriginal stakeholders to make sure the land is treated well and continues to take care of everyone.
It means moving away from a human centered approach to the world, to a country centered approach, where everyone is considered in the design of spaces: the community, the land, the water, air, trees, plants, sun, rain etc.
Q: Why is it important?
- It helps protect the environment.
- It respects Aboriginal knowledge and culture.
- It creates places that are good for people and the planet.
Aboriginal wisdom teaches:
If we care for Country, Country will care for us.
Q: What does Country Centered Design Look Like?
Country-Centred Design means we ask:
- What does this place need?
- How can we build something that fits into nature, not against it?
- How can we work with Aboriginal communities to design something meaningful for community and sustainable in the environment?
Steps for Designing With a Country Centered Approach:
- Listen: Talk to local Aboriginal people.
- Learn: Understand the stories and needs of the place.
- Design: Create designs with Country, not just on it.
- Care: Keep looking after the place long after it is built.
How Do We Know It’s Working?
We check if:
- The land is healthy
- The community feels good
- Aboriginal culture is respected
- Everyone understands each other
The place feels safe and welcoming for all.
Q: What Happens If We Do Not Connect With Country in Design?
The Murray-Darling Basin might be an example. When Aboriginal knowledge was not used in water planning:
- Rivers dried up.
- Fish died.
- Communities suffered.
This shows why we must listen to and include Aboriginal knowledge, especially when we are designing infrastructure. This is to make sure we can best understand the way the environment works and make infrastructure that cares for the community in the space, and the country it is on.
You Can Connect with Country Too!
- Ask: Who are the Traditional Custodians and Stakeholders of this place?
- Learn stories about the land if they are available and can be shared.
- Understand why its helpful to understand the Aboriginal history of your locality.
- Visit nature and think about how to care for it.
- Respect Aboriginal culture and Country.
Find out more:
www.planning.nsw.gov.au/connecting-with-country