The upgrade of the heritage listed former Redfern Post Office necessitated both physical and psychological accessibility for future use, determined by the First Nations community. The project demonstrated a sensitive and respectful approach to heritage and interpretation that gives prominence to Aboriginal cultural values and embodies deep care and consideration for Country. Djinjama took on this approach, allowing the team to re-read the site through the lens of Country. Undertaking a cultural Reading of Country, Djinjama sought to understand and honour the underlying place, its histories, layers and narratives. This undertaking led to the interpretation of layered cultural themes, allowing the once prevalent Turpentine-Ironbark Forest to be remembered with new interventions while prominent colonial symbols were removed.
Djinjama honours our connections to Country, community, culture and kin through our work. Djinjama’s projects actively interact with lands, waters and air, and as such we actively protect the rights of Country to be healthy in our work. We respect Traditional Custodians who have long cared for Country and aim to elevate First Voices in all our work. We are grateful to Elders and Knowledge Holders for their continued sharing of wisdom, story, language, and knowledge.
