Jury quotation
Reality Telling at Wybalenna is a strong act of advocacy, care and truth-telling, and a compelling reminder that structure can allow self-determination. Situated at a website of genocide, deep ache, survival and enduring Palawa presence, the work doesn’t search consideration for itself. As an alternative, it affords one thing extra profound: the sensible, symbolic and literal means for neighborhood to return, collect, keep in mind, look after and communicate fact on Nation.
Its achievement lies within the quiet braveness of doing what was wanted, with care. New bathing and bathroom amenities, water techniques and renewed homestead interiors tackle primary human necessities and, of their context, turn into extraordinary.
The structure is restrained however by no means passive. The ablutions construction is rigorously sited and materially resolved, holding service and that means in equal measure. Its openness, sturdiness and effortlessness give weight to on a regular basis acts of care. The homestead renewal is equally respectful, eradicating colonial aptitude so the constructing can assist neighborhood use with out spectacle or appropriation. The architects perceive that erasure shouldn’t be the reply; honesty is. The impression is tangible and deeply transferring.
Elders, households and neighborhood can now return to a spot the place their ancestors endured one of the painful and shameful chapters in Australia’s historical past. It’s a story that should be instructed, and may now be instructed in place, via significant dialogue about fact, rights and custodianship, not as summary beliefs, however as lived acts of remembrance, ritual and diplomacy.
The jury recognises this work as an act of immense social and cultural impression. It demonstrates that design may be measured by the therapeutic it makes potential, the voices it amplifies and its capability to behave with out ego. At Wybalenna, structure turns into a vessel for reminiscence, return and justice.
— Reality Telling at Wybalenna was reviewed by Stuart King for Structure Australia Aug 2026.
The ArchitectureAu Award for Social Affect is organised by Structure Media, and supported by presenting companion Melbourne College of Design and supporting companions Latitude Group and Pepto Lab.
