Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Cultural Design Integration (Placemaking)

At Gudhungal Marring Consultancy, we place great importance on embedding cultural heritage into every project we undertake. By acknowledging and integrating the enduring significance of our ancient cultures, we help design teams gain a deeper understanding of Country and culture, fostering a meaningful connection through their work.

Our approach

Our team works closely with Traditional Owners, Elders, RAP's and Cultural Knowledge Holders throughout the project’s duration, ensuring that each phase reflects the wisdom and traditions of the community. This collaboration allows project teams to view Country through a cultural lens, ultimately leading to enriched design outcomes that educate, harmonise, and enhance the living environment.

Our commitment to excellence

To ensure the highest quality in connecting to Country and benefiting all stakeholders involved in the placemaking process, we undertake the following:

  • Engagement with Elders and Knowledge Holders: We organise sessions where you can hear directly from Elders and Knowledge Holders, gaining insight into the stories and cultural significance of the land.

  • On-Country Experiences: These immersive experiences are designed to help the project team gain a profound understanding of the land and its traditional values, which are integral to the project.

  • Collaborative Design Workshops: We facilitate co-design workshops aimed at developing a design approach that deeply respects and connects with the cultural narrative of Country.

Our aim is to deliver design outcomes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also culturally respectful and beneficial to all stakeholders.

Indigenous Values Mapping Report (IVM)

At Gudhungal Marring Consultancy, we prioritise the identification and acknowledgement of the cultural significance of the land within project boundaries, making the Indigenous Values Mapping Report (IVM) a crucial element in our process.

What is an IVM?

The Indigenous Values Mapping Report (IVM) is an authoritative document, formally endorsed by Indigenous stakeholders and the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the project is situated. This report explores both tangible and intangible Indigenous knowledge, serving as an essential resource for educating project teams. It has a wide range of applications, all aimed at fostering a deeper cultural understanding and ensuring that Indigenous values are respected and incorporated into the project’s delivery.

The Benefits of the IVM Report:

  • Protection of Cultural Sites: The report aids in mitigating potential damage to Indigenous cultural sites and helps to avoid unexpected discoveries during the construction phase.

  • Enhanced Strategic Planning: It facilitates better outcomes during strategic planning and concept design phases, leading to more successful project delivery.

  • Building Relationships: The IVM supports the creation of meaningful relationships with local Indigenous stakeholders.

  • Greater Indigenous Participation: It enables increased opportunities for Indigenous involvement across all phases of the project, including:

    • Planning

    • Design

    • Construction

  • Ensuring Cultural Safety: The report ensures cultural safety for Indigenous peoples participating in the project.

  • Raising Cultural Awareness: It enhances cultural awareness among non-Indigenous participants involved in the project.

  • Creating a Cultural Legacy: The IVM adds significant cultural value to the project, establishing a legacy that honours and recognises Indigenous peoples.