The Koorie Heritage Trust has expanded to occupy all three levels of the Birrarung Building at Fed Square. This has created a stand-alone and independent First Peoples arts and cultural centre; a first of its kind in an Australian Capital City.
KHT has worked extensively with a design collaboration (led by Lyons Architects) between First Nations architect Jefa Greenaway of Greenaway Architects, Lyons and Sam Hunter of Architecture Associates, to develop a considered and beautiful plan for the interior design and fit-out that reflects Country and place, and which responds in a culturally sensitive way to both organisational and First Peoples community needs, values and aspirations.
The expansion project was recognised in the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards with a commendation and two category wins as follows:
At the KHT, we seek to nurture, honour and celebrate the continuing cultures and Songlines of the First Peoples of South Eastern Australia. We do this by honouring our Community, celebrating the Culture, Creativity and Stories from our Community, and nurturing our People and Organisation. We are also about Place; and the expansion secures our future as a fundamental part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, but is a significant new phase for the KHT in its 38-year history. It also recognises the importance of Victorian First Peoples during the time of Treaty, Truth Telling and the Voice.
The design and fitout of the KHT is made possible through the generous support of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program (ACIP), Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), and Gandel Foundation.
Render of proposed Level 1 public lounge