Mawambul supports the Sustainable Development Goals:
The project supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by incorporating Aboriginal cultural knowledge, stories and artistic expression into the park’s design, creating opportunities for cultural learning and a greater understanding of Country.
Through its Aboriginal-led Designing with Country approach, the project contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly Target 11.4, by recognising Aboriginal cultural heritage and creating a public space that reflects the cultural significance of Hexham.
The integration of endemic flora and native planting into the landscape design also aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land), recognising the importance of local biodiversity and the relationship between Country, culture and the natural environment.
Project overview
Mawambul led the Designing with Country component of Hexham Cultural Park, delivering cultural research and landscape design for an Aboriginal cultural area adjacent to Maitland Road near the Hexham Bowling Club, as part of the M1 widening project.
Building on engagement undertaken by Transport for NSW with Aboriginal communities, Mawambul developed a landscape design that reflects the cultural significance of Country at Hexham.
Our role extended from initial research and concept development through to design finalisation, bringing Aboriginal knowledge and cultural priorities into the physical design of the park.
Our approach
Our work began with research into the area’s stories, histories and endemic flora and fauna, informing the development of design concepts that responded to the site’s cultural and environmental setting.
The park design drew on the concept of a Traditional camp, with an Elders lookout, central gathering area, quieter spaces for reflection and pathways connecting the different areas of the park.
Native planting, seating and landscape elements were incorporated throughout, creating a cohesive design that considers how people move through, gather and experience the space.
Cultural approach
Aboriginal cultural knowledge and community priorities were central to the design process, informing the layout, landscape elements and intended use of the park.
Traditional Owner artists Shellie Smith, Gavin Kelly and Matt Syron contributed feature elements integrated throughout the landscape design, bringing cultural knowledge, stories and artistic expression into the space.
Their contributions strengthened the cultural identity of the park and ensured Traditional Owner perspectives were reflected in its design.
Collaboration
Mawambul worked closely with Transport for NSW and the broader project team through design workshops, concept refinement and design finalisation.
Our role brought together cultural research, landscape design expertise and community priorities, maintaining the cultural intent of the project throughout the design process.
Outcome
Mawambul delivered a culturally informed landscape design that places Aboriginal knowledge, stories and connections to Country at the centre of Hexham Cultural Park.
Through an Aboriginal-led Designing with Country approach, cultural narratives and community priorities were translated into tangible design elements, shaping how the space is intended to be experienced and understood.
The resulting design establishes a foundation for a culturally significant public space that recognises Hexham’s Aboriginal heritage and creates opportunities for connection to Country for future generations.