Bendigo Botanic Gardens Central Hub Visioning Report · Expeience Visitor Experience Botanic...

April, 2020

Bendigo Botanic GardensCentral Hub Visioning Report

“Together we can create a better future by immersing ourselves in nature’s diversity and beauty and learning how to live sustainably and care for our environment.” -

Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills - Master Plan, 2010

DRAFTThe Bendigo Botanic Gardens Central Hub Visioning Report

was supported by the Victorian Government

Contents

DRAFT

4 Background

6 People & Place

14 Experience

17 Place Identity

21 Vision

28 The Concept

2 | April 2020 | Bendigo Botanic Gardens Central Hub | GHDW

Vision As the gateway to the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, it is envisioned that the Central Hub Precinct will be cohesive and sensitively respond to its natural, historic and social context, while providing high quality design for all to enjoy. The design must announce the Garden’s entrance and consider the fluent and legible connections to the existing Heritage Garden and Garden for the Future and acknowledge the Master Plan and its future long term vision. The precinct offers the opportunity for the community and visitors to connect with each other and learn and engage with the unique qualities of the local ecology, its water cycle, the land and its flora.

GHDW | Bendigo Botanic Gardens Central Hub | April 2020 | 3


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The Bendigo Botanic Gardens at White Hills, is one of the oldest of Victoria’s regional Botanic Gardens, and as such is of cultural significance to not only Bendigo, but the State of Victoria.

It is on the Victorian Heritage Register, and is covered by the Heritage Act, 1995, providing the highest level of protection for a heritage site available in Victoria.

For generations it has been enjoyed as a significant space for passive recreation and family activities, and for its cultural and horticultural heritage. Over many years, numerous attempts have been made to plan, design and implement changes in the Gardens.

Current and past generations have enjoyed the Gardens that resulted from the vision of those who created it well over 100 years ago. It is intended to not only acknowledge the contributions of those pioneers by restoring the current Gardens, but to add to their vision by creating a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy in 50 and 150 years time.

In 1992 and again in 1998 the City of Bendigo had considerable vision when it purchased the land adjacent to the existing Botanic Gardens. It was intended that this land be developed to extend the Gardens and provide Bendigo with a Botanic Garden that benefits the City’s vision of working together to be the world’s most liveable community. The purchase of this land has placed Bendigo in the enviable situation of being one of the very few Botanic Gardens in Victoria with the ability to substantially expand.

In 2008 the Council started the process of developing a Master Plan to guide the rejuvenation and extension of the Botanic Gardens to create a significant, new and engaging contemporary precinct. The Master Plan was completed and adopted in 2010.

The development of the Master Plan followed a thorough process involving significant public consultation and stakeholder involvement. The Master Plan responded to the existing physical nature of the site by defining four quadrants along a ‘Water Axis’ (formed by the Bendigo Creek) and an ‘Activity Axis’ (along the Hamelin St road alignment). The quadrants are proposed to contain: the existing Heritage Gardens; a Garden for the Future; a Botanic Park; and the White Hills Recreation Reserve. Key features of the Master Plan include a new arboretum, wetlands, childrens garden and play space and aquatic facility.

Construction of the two hectare Garden for the Future started in late 2016 and opened on 22nd April 2018. The new addition adds a contemporary botanic garden experience, featuring the Fun and Fantasy Garden, the Around Australia Garden and the Around the World Garden. The new gardens contain an events stage and open grass areas to host concerts and large community events.

The next stage, and the focus of this Visioning Report, is the development of a central precinct between the Heritage Garden and the Garden for the Future. At the confluence of the two main axis, the Central Hub is intended to be the main meeting and gathering space for visitors to the Gardens.

Project Context

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Delivery Approach

WE ARE HERE

Figure 01. Project Delivery Phase to Delivery Timeframe

Central Hub Project Visioning Process:

Draft design

Meetings with council

Consultation with Bendigo Botanic Gardens Friends group

Consultation with Dja Dja Wurrung

Design concept refinement

Visioning report

Final concept design

Schematic design

Detailed Design Development

This Visioning Report has been prepared as part of the initial phase of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens Central Hub project.

The visioning for the Central Hub has been developed through a consultative process involving the City of Greater Bendigo and key stakeholder groups including the Friends of the Botanic Gardens and the traditional owners of the land, the Dja Dja Wurrung. The thoughts and ideas captured during this process, in addition to gaining an understanding of the site, its historical context and how it relates to the adjacent existing gardens has guided the thinking behind the conceptual work.

The project delivery stages are shown in Figure 1.

Ongoing involvement of key stakeholders and the community is planned during the design development process, to ensure future works undertaken satisfy the objectives of all of these parties, giving due consideration to the local context. The Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA), have and will continue to participate in design reviews throughout the design process.


The White Hills area is part of Djaara Country, the traditional land of the people of the Dja Dja Wurrung language.

The Dja Dja Wurrung language group is one of the five distinct but closely related communities comprising the Kulin Nation in south central Victoria

In 1851 gold was discovered. The township expanded rapidly and within three years, land was set aside for a botanic gardens.

The site was flourishing by 1862. By 1877, a sophisticated path network had been designed around a combination of circular and rectangular garden beds, edging and expansive lawn areas.

The creek had been transformed into a billabong, a greenhouse, Curator’s house and grape arbour had been erected, and an abundance of plants, including flowering, were also established at this stage. A ‘zoo’ was also present, where animals such as monkeys, cockatoos and kookaburras were on display.

Plans for water reticulation were underway and in

Site Context

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Peo

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1878 some plants were received from William Guilfoyle, who was the Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens at the time.

The gardens continued to flourish and develop into the twentieth century and by 1960, a swimming pool was constructed after many years of community lobbying and the caravan section of the Gardens was discontinued.

In 1993 a Landscape Master Plan was completed by the Gerner Consulting Group which revised and simplified in 1998 by TBA Planners. Within two years, the entrance area behind the Arch of Triumph was also redesigned and constructed.

A Heritage Significance Assessment and Strategy was compiled and in 2007 adopted by the City of Greater Bendigo.


Hamelin Street

Scott Street

Bosquet StreetM

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ighw

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Bend

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White Hills Primary School

Garden for the Future

White Hills Swimming

Pool

White Hills Recreation Reserve

Bendigo Botanic Gardens

Existing Context


Site Imagery

01View along existing path connecting bridge to Garden for the Future passing the heritage mulberry tree.02View looking towards Hamelin Street

03View from bridge to central hub site

04 View of Bendigo Creek from bridge05Large eucalypts between the site and the creek

04 05

0301 02


Surrounding Imagery

06 Internal paths within the Heritage GardensLarge canopy trees providing dappled shade along paths 07 Arch of Triumph08 Billabong within the Heritage Garden Remnant section of Bendigo Creek pre-colonisation 09 Garden for the Future 10 Stone arrangement within the Heritage Garden

09 10

06 0708

SITE CONTEXT


History and Cultural SignificanceHistory and Cultural Significance

>50, 000

White Hills is part of the Djaara Country, the traditional land of the people of the Dja Dja Wurrung language.

1851

Discovery of Gold in the area resulted in rapid growth in Bendigo

1857

Land set aside for the Botanic Gardens was offically gazetted

1877

Intricate network and hierarchy of paths had been installed. There was a curator house and the ‘zoo’ held monkeys, cockatoos and kookaburras

1862-65

Arrival of a few small varied native animals. In 1965 it was noted that there was a monkey family present.

1900s

A shelter shed was built and a bridge to the island was raised.

1880s A salt problem occurred and many plants and trees succumbed

1925

The Arch of Triumph was finally completed

1960

Swimming pool complete

1973

A plan for major changes to the Gardens to be staged over a seven year period.

1993

A Landscape Master Plan for the Gardens was completed

2000

The entrance area behind the Arch of Triumph was completed

2010

The City of Greater Bendigo developed and adopted a Master Plan for the rejuvenation and extension of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens

2007

Heritage Significance assessment and Strategy was completed

2018

Garden for the Future opens

02 The Arch of Triumph

c. 1940-60

01 A sketch map of Bendigo in 1851

Drawn by miner William Sandbach

03 White Hills Swimming Pool 04 The Garden for the Future

01 02 0403


05 The meandering form of Bendigo creek in the past

Past Bendigo Creek Alignments

(Based on Victoria Surveyor General’s Office. (1854). Hamlet of White-Hills in the Parish of Sandhurst [cartographic material]. State Library Victoria. http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/123962. and Victoria Department of Mines. (1871). Mining surveyors’ map of the district of Sandhurst [cartographic material]. Trove. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-232329122/view.)

1854 Bendigo Creek Alignment1871 Bendigo Creek AlignmentCurrent Bendigo Creek Alignment

Bendigo Creek

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Master Plan Key Principles

The Master Plan prepared by the City of Greater Bendigo in 2010 stated that the overall design for the future Bendigo Botanic Gardens should be steered by the following principles:

• Realising the core botanic garden roles for display, education and conservation

• Relevance to local context of Bendigo and central Victoria

• Respecting the past

• Leading into the future contemporary design adaptable to future climate

• Attractiveness to a wide range of user groups

• Multi-functionality where possible

• High quality design with the vision for a leading cultural institution

Additionally, the generally accepted best practice standards for new projects include:

• Equitable access and

• Environmental sustainability

Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan

Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills Master Plan 2010

(Source: City of Greater Bendigo)

Central Hub




Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan

2010 Master Plan of Bendigo Botanic Gardens



Master Plan of Bendigo Botanic Gardens with updated graphic



Expeience

Visitor Experience

Botanic Gardens play a vital role in supporting community health and wellbeing, ecological services, research & development and education opportunities with multi-generational benefits.

Broad trends

Emerging broader trends influencing public realm garden offerings to increase economic, social and environmental drivers include provision of:

• Immersive VR experiences to supplement real tangible experiences

• Multi-functional spaces to cater for diverse and changing community needs and programs

• Day and night time activation

• Climate responsive play spaces that are activated via extreme weather, i.e. shadow play, rainy days

• Nature based play to nuture children’s creativity, socialisation skills and connect them to the natural world

• Cool, shady places to meet, dwell and congregate

The Role of Place

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Exp

erie

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Who is coming?

• Families

• School groups

• Educational and historical tours

• Passive recreation users - walking, dog walking, running

• Garden enthusiasts

Why are they coming?

• Healthy lifestyles

• Botanic interests

• Cultural and heritage travel


Visitor experience mapping

Key Destinations

Arch of Triumph

Formal Ceremonial Promenade &Lavender Garden

Bendigo Creek

Arbour Gardens


Habitat Garden & Aviary

Edwardian Garden & Picnic Pavilion

Billabong Garden

Play Space

Cottage Gardens of the Victorian

GoldfieldsProposed Visitor Hub

Proposed Conservatory Building

Primary Entrance

Proposed Primary Entrance

Secondary Entrance

Main Path Network

1

2

3

4

5

11

12

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Map 02 | Key destinations

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Visitor experience mapping

Accessibility and walkability

Access into the gardens is predominantly via the main entry at Napier Street, however the site is extremely permeable and welcoming to visitors. Walking time between major destinations is between two and four minutes, which makes the garden highly walkable and accessible to a broad range of user groups.

The Visitor Hub shall be located within a short 2 minute walk from Hamelin St, making it well positioned for disabled access and easily accessed from all parts of the gardens. The role of the hub in the broader visitor experience journey lends itself to being a beacon in the landscape, however since walking times are so short there is an opportunity to slow down the pace of arrival to allow greater discovery en-route.

150m radius walking catchment

Map 03 | Walkability


03

Expeience

The place identity is underpinned by an array of data inputs including strategic reports, stakeholder and community conversations, site mappings and observations.

Design Inputs

4.0

Pla

ce Id

enti

tyThe design objectives have been developed to guide and inform the placement and arrangement of the visitor centre and core hub facilities that is sensitive to the narrative of the place, the collaborative logical systems that traverse it’s edges and the way people should interact and participate with the space.

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Des

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Pri

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Dja Dja Wurrung

Bendigo Botanical Garden - Central Hub

Sustainable Water Use

Friends of the Botanical Gardens

Upside down country

6 Seasons

Creek Alignment

Indigenous Planting

Relief

LinkagesInversion

Layering

Heart


Consultation and What We Have Heard

Dja Dja Wurrung

We listened as the Dja Dja Wurrung shared with us the importance of this site, the surrounding land and waters and cultural practices. Telling the story and sharing learning about the land, the country and the cultural heritage is of utmost importance. This knowledge can be shared by agreeing on the appropriate ideas and narrative.

• During the Gold Rush, mining caused devastation to the land, water and vegetation. The traditional owners are taking responsibility for healing this ‘upside-down country’ so it can be healthy and functioning again – this is a strong focus for the Dja Dja Wurrung’s Country Plan (Dhelkunya Dja).

• While there is an opportunity to upgrade the space and create a visitor experience at the Gardens, there is also an opportunity to tell a narrative from a Traditional Owners perspective.

• Connecting people to landscape is crucial. We should encourage people to get outdoors and be active, telling the stories through activities as well as landscaping. This connection should encompass multiple senses, sight, touch, sound, smell and on a spiritual level.

• Waterways provided pathways for Traditional Owners. The rivers, lakes and swamps are sick and we are working to ensure our waterways are healthy. Healing water is a huge part of the Country Plan that will benefit the environment and that is a cultural obligation.

• There is an opportunity to connect

educational opportunities with the traditional seasonal calendar (having six seasons) and hold monthly events that highlight cultural stories and an appreciation of seasonal changes and cultural practices.

• Restoring the creek (which the DDWCAC are involved with as part of the Re-imagining Bendigo Creek and Wanyarram Dhelk project (meaning ‘good waterhole’)) is part of a story that can be told, pointing to a more positive future but we need to acknowledge past history, the impact of the Gold Rush on the people, their culture and use of the land and waterways.

• Cool burning could be introduced in some way through this (or future) projects as an important part of cultural practice.

• We should encourage school groups to visit and connect the experience with the curriculum

• One of the consequences of colonisation has been loss of the language. The importance of incorporating the traditional language, Dja Dja Wurrung, and how it can play a part in this project in terms of naming spaces or features should be considered.

During the Gold Rush, mining caused devastation to the land, water and vegetation. The Traditional Owners are taking responsibility for healing this ‘upside-down country’ so it can be healthy and functioning again – this is a strong focus for the Country Plan.

Dhelkunya Dja

Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan2014-2034

Dja Dja Wurrung ClansAboriginal Corporation

01 Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan 2014-2034 (Dhelkunya Dja)

02 Dja Dja Wurrung holistic Vision for Country, goals, and objectives Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan 2014-2034 (Dhelkunya Dja)

01 12 |

Djaara, or Dja Dja Wurrung people are direct descendants of the First Peoples of this land - we recognise all of the Clan groups who are descended from our Apical Ancestors. We have Ancestors tracing back thousands of years, and future generations yet to come.

Some of us are living on Country and some are living away. We are all Dja Dja Wurrung. We need to act now to ensure the spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing of our People, both current and future.

Objectives

To achieve our goal, we aim to:

• Be recognised as a sovereign Aboriginal nation and the Traditional Owners of Dja Dja Wurrung Country

• Reduce the major risk factors to our People and ensure there is access to appropriate health services and housing

• Have more Dja Dja Wurrung people working on Country and in stable employment

• Ensure our full range of rights and interests are legally recognised and reflected in the policies of government.

Challenges

There are many challenges that we will face in working to meet these objectives. To begin with, we are not starting from a level playing field. Historical dispossession has left us with dispersed communities and a lack of community cohesion. Longstanding inequity in law, policy and governance has left Aboriginal people at a disadvantage in health, housing, employment and many of our other fundamental needs. Some government policies remain outdated, failing to reflect the contemporary understanding of traditional laws, culture, property rights and human rights. Native Title recognition and settlement has helped to heal some of the scars of

history, but we have a long way to go to build our capacity to participate fully in the social and economic fabric of the community.

Achievements 2014 – 2017

• The Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) has been signed with the State, which recognises Dja Dja Wurrung People as the Traditional Owners of their Country.

• Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC) continue to represent the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owner group’s interests and rights, including:

- Fulfilling its function as a Registered Aboriginal Party by providing expertise on Aboriginal cultural heritage and ensuring its protection

- Advocating for the implementation of the RSA across government.

• DDWCAC have established a Community Support Program with a suite of targeted initiatives which aim to provide the opportunity for Dja Dja Wurrung people to increase their economic participation, and financial independence. These include support for:

- Secondary Education

- Tertiary Education

- Micro Enterprise

- Sorry Business

- Driver’s Licence

- Elder Celebration

- Moving Back to Country.

In addition, DDWCAC have been working with other health providers to support community wellbeing initiatives i.e, working with Bendigo District Aboriginal Cooperative on Wirama Shield and AFL Indigenous Round.

GOAL 1: Djaara Every Dja Dja Wurrung person is happy, healthy and secure in their identity, livelihood and lifestyle

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GOAL 2: Cultural Practices and CustomsDja Dja Wurrung customs and practices are alive and respected - keeping us connected to our past, our present and our future

The laws, customs and stories that make up Dja Dja Wurrung Culture guide the way we behave and the decisions we make every day. We pass these on to our young ones through song and dance, and through storytelling and walking Country, so that they can carry on our Peoples’ connection to Country.

Our dreaming stories tell of Mindi, Bunjil and Waa, explaining the creation of our lands and the evolution of our people, and the right way for us to live. Our language connects us to water, land, animals, spirits and people, calling our Ancestors to ceremony and strengthening our identity. Some of our customs and practices are men’s business and some are women’s business, and some are for use to share as a community.

Dja Dja Wurrung culture is the foundation of our community’s spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing, and we need to protect it, pass it on and help others to understand and respect our ways.

Objectives


• Actively practice our ceremonies and teach our ways to our young ones

• Reclaim, revive and rejuvenate our language

• Consolidate and protect our traditional knowledge, using it to guide cultural practices and the way our Country is managed

• Advance reconciliation with the broader community by sharing our stories, values and customs.

Challenges

The demands of work and life make it difficult to find the time and means for Dja Dja Wurrung People to regularly practice

culture. Coupled with the past removal of our language and dispersal of our people, and the continued loss of knowledge as elders pass on, the task to revive and protect our culture is a challenging one.

Achievements

• Over this time, Dja Dja Wurrung People and their families have participated in workshops and meetings to teach and learn how to make artefacts, performance, song or dance, as a way of sharing culture.

• Dja Dja Wurrung have participated in Tanderrum, the coming together of Kulin nation groups for ceremony.

• Language is being revived and used. The Language Sub-Committee of Dja Dja Wurrung Board meets quarterly and provides advice on language and pronunciation. A dictionary is being developed and there are plans to be speaking it and teaching it.

• Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation are capturing information about Dja Dja Wurrung People’s use of Country and its resources, through the Land Use Activity Agreement (LUAA) Authorisation Orders.

• DDWCAC on behalf of Dja Dja Wurrung People have been engaging with the wider community through regular participation in events in order to promote awareness and appreciation of Dja Dja Wurrung culture, history, values and stories, and as part of advancing reconciliation.

• Research and Intellectual Property protocols are currently being developed by DDWCAC, to guide the collection of cultural knowledge and ensure that research is conducted appropriately on Country.

• We have explored opportunities to start capturing Traditional ecological knowledge, including developing or supporting the development of a number of research proposals.

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GOAL 3: Cultural Heritage Our cultural heritage is recognised and protected as a celebration of our identity and community

In addition to our customs and practices, our tangible cultural heritage is a core part of our identity and connection to Country. The mountains, rivers and trees that make up cultural landscapes are the foundations of our creation stories.

The sites that lie within these landscapes tell the stories of our history – both good and bad. Scar trees and birthing sites are some of the evidence that remain of the past practices of our people. Massacre and mission sites remind us of more recent influences on our people.

Aboriginal artefacts are scattered across our Country, telling of the rituals and practices of our ancestors. Some of the remains of our ancestors have been removed, and they will not be at rest until they are properly buried on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Objectives


• Strengthen our understanding of what significant sites and artefacts exist on Dja Dja Wurrung Country

• Secure the right and means to effectively protect and manage cultural landscapes and sites

• Ensure Dja Dja Wurrung ancestral remains, cultural objects and collections are returned to Country, and protected

• Make use of our cultural heritage to promote healing and reconciliation, teach Djaara people about their Country and laws, and raise cultural awareness among the broader community.

Challenges

Many of our special places and objects are not secure. Through both accidental and wilful damage, our cultural heritage is gradually being destroyed. Vandalism and

deliberate destruction of Aboriginal places is sadly still an issue for us. Damage also occurs through the actions of tourists and visitors to our Country, where land management, signage and protection of Aboriginal Places is inadequate. On a larger scale, compliance with cultural heritage legislation is not always strong, and cultural heritage can be lost through developments and land management practices. Our objects are collected by landholders and visitors who find them, and do not know or care to return them to us.

Achievements

• We have secured freehold title to three significant sites – Yapenya (Mt Barker), Carisbrook and Franklinford

• We have been caring for and restoring these sites, including setting up a greenhouse to cultivate native plants for revegetation work at Yapenya

• A cultural heritage management plan is being developed for Lake Boort to manage heritage values of the site from the potential effects of environmental watering

• We have an active group of Dja Dja Wurrung People employed as Cultural Heritage Field representatives.

Actions Going Forward

To achieve this goal and address these challenges, we wish to:

• Review previous management plans for each of the three cultural properties at Franklinford, Carisbrook and Yapenya (Mt Barker) and update in line with current management practice

• Undertake a feasibility study into introducing commercial activity, such as tourism, to the Aboriginal places

• Ensure that Cultural Heritage Management Plans are put in place at all sites where environmental watering may impact on cultural heritage values.

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GOAL 4: Bushtucker and Medicine Our cultural heritage is recognised and protected as a celebration of our identity and community

Over 200 years ago, our Ancestors were the experts who managed this land. They were the first conservationists who respected the environment and had the right management in place. They knew of our Country’s plants and animals, cycles and systems. They understood the role that fire plays in regeneration and in promoting the balance of species and ecosystems. This knowledge has been built up over generations of observation and management and passed down.

We are gardeners of the environment. We care for the land and it provides for us. We use lomandra and matt rush to weave baskets. We hunt wallaby, emu and goanna. We eat the eels, mussels, crayfish and yellow belly from our streams. We gather bardi grubs and duck eggs, nardoo and yam daisies and wattle seeds for food and medicine. We use buloke and red gum timber for our tools and ceremonies.

We need to manage our Country in the right way if we want it to continue to provide for our food and medicinal needs into the future.

Objectives


• Understand what plants and animals now exist on Country, and what condition they are in, so we can better define appropriate management regimes including an appropriate ‘cultural take’

• Re-build the capacity of our community to care for Dja Dja Wurrung Country and the knowledge of our community of our Country and our species and ecosystems

• Actively manage our traditional lands and waters to protect the plants and animals that are important to us; and promote the right species in the right places, so they can provide for us in a sustainable way

• Get out on Country to hunt and gather as per our Authorisations Orders

• Work with relevant authorities to ensure our active participation in wildlife management and harvesting

• Ensure traditional ecological based burning regimes and practices are reintroduced across Country and work with land managers to carry out our role in fire management to support restoration of biodiversity, including species and ecosystems of cultural and customary importance

• Lead the way in active restoration interventions to restore and protect biodiversity, with a particular focus on our Aboriginal Title lands

• Have our cultural priorities incorporated into fire and biodiversity management decision-making

• Be accepted as legitimate users of natural resources.

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Traditional Aboriginal culture revolved around relationships to the land and water; relationships that hold deep physical, social, environmental, spiritual and cultural significance.

Today, the land and its waterways remain central to our cultural identity and aspirations for community and economic development. Our rivers are the veins of Country, and provide food and medicine, and places to camp, hunt, fish, swim and hold ceremonies. They are places that are central to our creation stories, and many of our cultural heritage sites are associated with waterways – burial sites, birthing sites and middens.

Our waterways are places that we connect with our ancestors and pass traditional knowledge on to our children and grandchildren.

Rivers such as the Loddon, Coliban, Campaspe, Avoca and Avon; Lakes that include Boort, Eppalock and Laanecoorie; swamps and creeks – these are significant parts of our Country that link us to our past and will provide for our future.

Objectives


• Ensure all of our waterways are healthy, with the right water in the right place at the right time to meet the needs of the environment, Djaara People and the broader community

• Have a recognised and legitimate role in water governance, with genuine consultation in policy development to take part in decision-making about our waterways

• Secure adequate and equitable water rights that meet our social, cultural, spiritual, economic and environmental needs

• Share our creation stories to teach people how water

works in the landscape.

Challenges

Our rivers, lakes and swamps are sick. A legacy of past and current land management decisions has caused erosion, weed and pest issues, pollution from farm chemicals and mining contaminants throughout our Country. Water diversions and controlled flows mean that many of our rivers are getting water at the wrong time, or in the wrong volumes, and over-fishing is putting pressure on important species. It is a big task to heal our waterways so that they can continue to be the lifeblood of our Country.

The waterway management and policy framework in Victoria is complex and multi-facetted. To participate meaningfully in this framework, Dja Dja Wurrung People will need to be adequately resourced to develop the technical expertise and capacity required, and ensure human resources are available to engage with partners.

Achievements

• Through our membership on the Murray and Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) and the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Corporation (FVTOC), we have participated in representing the rights of Traditional Owner groups in water policy and governance in Victoria and the Murray Darling Basin

• We have recently received funding to undertake a waterway health project on a Dja Dja Wurrung waterway in partnership with the North Central Catchment Management Authority

• We have negotiated an engagement plan for Dja Dja Wurrung involvement in environmental water planning and delivery with the North Central Catchment Management Authority

• A Cultural Heritage Management Plan is currently being undertaken for Lake Boort to manage potential impacts of environmental watering actions.

GOAL 5: Rivers and Waterways Our rivers and waterways are healthy and meet the needs of our people and land

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GOAL 6: Land Our upside-down country is healthy again

In the mid-1800s, large deposits of gold were discovered in our Country, enticing flocks of people looking to make their fortune. The miners cut down trees for firewood and building, diverted creeks and rivers and dug holes in the ground, pulling up large volumes of earth. Since that time, mining has been constant in Dja Dja Wurrung Country. This has left a legacy of soil erosion, salinity and toxicity from contaminants such as arsenic and mercury. The Country around the goldfields is very sick and a significant program of remediation is required. As custodians of all Dja Dja Wurrung land, we feel a deep responsibility to heal this Country so that it can be healthy and functioning once again.

Objectives


• Understand the extent of damage to Dja Dja Wurrung Country caused by mining

• Be involved in the design and implementation of remediation works and restoration initiatives in upside-down Country

• Build our capacity to remediate toxic land

• Have areas of land handed back that are sick and not being healed and be effectively resourced to

conduct the required remediation.

Challenges

Despite the environmental and social impacts of this legacy, no-one has taken responsibility for healing the areas that have been impacted by the mining. Reversing the damage to this land is not an attractive business proposition, so there are few available remediation programs. On top of this, the risks and liabilities from the contamination that has occurred are largely unknown, and so governments have been reluctant to grant permission to work on our Country. We will need to develop strong partnerships if we are to overcome these significant challenges.

Achievements

• As a result of the LUAA, DDWCAC are now consulted on activities in this area when they occur

• For example, DDWCAC was consulted on a recent trial by Department of Environment Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) of a new model for government to deal with remediation of public land using a site on Dja Dja Wurrung Country

• However, little action has happened in this area relative to Dja Dja Wurrung People’s aspirations. This is because there is a lack of planning and action in general from government in this area.



• In the next 12 months and in partnership with Environment Protection Authority and other agencies, participate in the Marong Rd site remediation project to develop DDWCAC capacity to undertake land remediation works

• In the next two years, and through the Marong Rd remediation project, be involved in developing a multi-agency assessment matrix that will be used to prioritise known contaminated land, and be involved in baseline condition assessments of public land requiring remediation

• Develop a strategy for healing our Country that specifically addresses remediation and restoration, in partnership with other land managers

• Actively work with those that have harmed the land to develop and implement land remediation strategies.

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GOAL 7: Self-determination As our Country’s first people, Jaara have an established place in society and are empowered to manage our own affairs

Our Native Title Settlement Agreement was an important milestone for Dja Dja Wurrung People. The Victorian Government now recognises us as the Traditional Owners of this Country and acknowledges the history of dispersion and dispossession that has affected our people. The agreement allows for continued recognition, through protocols on acknowledgements and Welcomes to Country, and signage on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. It provides us with some legal rights – to practice culture and access and use our land and resources, to have some say in what happens on our Country. It gives us title to some of our traditional lands, including the right to have an active role in managing Country (see Goal 9). The Settlement Agreement is an important starting point for the self-determination of Dja Dja Wurrung, and we now need to build up the structures and processes that will enable us to make the most of these rights.

Objectives


• Be a clearly identified group of people with well-defined goals and objectives, authority and leadership structures

• Have a strong, well-governed corporation that effectively represents the interest of Dja Dja Wurrung People

• Effectively implement the Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement

• Be meaningfully involved as a partner in managing Dja Dja Wurrung Country, and take the lead in managing Country where Dja Dja Wurrung People hold freehold and Aboriginal title

• Have an active and engaged community that participates in all aspects of society.

Challenges

We are on our way to achieving this goal of self-determination and leaving behind the mission mentality that has previously underpinned our relationship with government and the broader community. However, there are still challenges that we will need to overcome. We remain under-represented in many decision-making forums and our voices as Traditional Owners are often not heard.

Access to resources and rights are much lower for us than many of those with competing interests, which continues to limit our ability to negotiate fairly and participate equally in priority-setting. By strengthening and unifying our organisation and community, we will be in a better position to improve our standing and representation in governance and policy debates.

Achievements

• Through the Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the State of Victoria, Dja Dja Wurrung People now have Aboriginal Title for six parks

• DDWCAC’s membership base has grown to over 280 members

• The Traditional Owner Land Management Board has been established and is working to plan for and implement Joint Management

• There are now three Dja Dja Wurrung Parks Victoria Rangers working on Country

• DDWCAC deliver cultural awareness training for all Parks Victoria staff in the RSA area, and will deliver cultural heritage training to all North Central Catchment Management staff later in the year

• The LUAA means that Dja Dja Wurrung People have procedural rights over what happens on Crown Land.

26 |

Core to achieving our goals of self-determination and improved community wellbeing is the need to develop a sustainable economic base. Building on our strengths, we have competitive advantages through our culture, traditional knowledge of Country, asset base and rights to resources. These open up opportunities in the natural resources sector – through use of assets and resources with enterprises such as seed collection, carbon farming, kangaroo culling and apiary, and through the provision of natural resource management services such as revegetation, fire management and pest control.

There is also interest in the tourism sector. Dja Dja Wurrung People are very passionate about culture and see tourism as a pathway to tell our stories and share places of cultural significance, while providing much-needed employment opportunities.

Through Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd (DDWE), we will pursue these opportunities to develop our individual and collective skills, and strengthen our ability to deliver on the aspirations of the Dja Dja Wurrung community without compromising culture or community cohesion.

Objectives


• Grow our asset base and use it wisely and sustainably to generate economic benefit for Dja Dja Wurrung People

• Attract and secure the professional expertise required to create and exploit economic development and employment opportunities

• To build a strong natural resource management service industry with a respected brand and a high level of client satisfaction

• Leverage significant human, financial and information resources through the development of

strategic partnerships and joint ventures.

Challenges

Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd, trading as Djandak, is working to develop partnerships and business opportunities for Traditional Owners and the broader Aboriginal Community, particularly on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

As the company develops, it will face a range of challenges that will need to be navigated. Systemic barriers such as weak commercial rights, unclear policy and legal frameworks, lack of cultural recognition and over allocation of natural resources create difficulties in developing natural resource-based enterprises.

The Natural Resources Management (NRM) industry in central Victoria is already very competitive, making it hard to make a profit as a new producer/provider. Historical inequities mean that capacity and knowledge within the Dja Dja Wurrung community needs further development if enterprises are to be significantly expanded. These challenges are not insurmountable and will be a key focus of our efforts.

Achievements

• Dja Dja Wurrung people are employed in NRM, both at DDWE and through employment in government including Parks Victoria and DELWP

• Djandak has received grants to conduct NRM works (for example, Community Grants through DELWP Biodiversity)

• Djandak has secured a number of contracts for NRM works (for example, weed management works for VicRoads)

• Djandak and the North Central Catchment Management Authority have secured funding for a two year joint project on waterway health.



• Increase awareness of Community Support Program Small Enterprise grants

GOAL 8: Traditional Owner Economy We have a strong and diverse economic base to provide for our health and wellbeing, and strengthen our living culture

28 |

GOAL 9: Joint Management All Crown land on Dja Dja Wurrung Country is Aboriginal Title and we are the sole managers

Across our Aboriginal Title land, our long-term goal is to ultimately become sole managers of these areas. This means that joint management needs to:

• Provide us with diverse opportunities to be involved in delivering land, water and natural and cultural resource management, at all levels

• Involve real sharing of power and responsibility, which requires trust and support from existing land managers

• Decolonialise existing governance structures and processes, which have historically excluded and marginalised us, and require transformation to be culturally appropriate and reflect true sharing and partnership.

Our Aboriginal Title land

As part of the agreement we have made with the State of Victoria under the Traditional Owner Settlement Agreement, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of Dja Dja Wurrung People have been granted Aboriginal Title over six parks and reserves.

Aboriginal Title is part of recognising our rights as traditional owners to care for our Country and means that we will enter into joint management with existing land managers, Parks Victoria and the Department of Land, Environment, Water and Planning.

Other areas on our Country

Across the land and waters of our Country where we do not currently have Aboriginal Title, we will work in partnership with existing land managers to see our vision and aspirations for managing Country realised. This includes:

• Involvement in planning and strategic decision-making about management of land, water and other natural and cultural resources on our Country, with our vision and aspirations for managing Country as set out in this plan used to inform and guide activities in this area

• Involvement in determining and delivering projects to manage land, water and other natural and cultural resources

on our Country that reflect and support our aspirations and interests in managing Country

• A unique role as the providers of cultural and environmental management and support for the development of our business to manage Country and support young Dja Dja Wurrung People to have pathways to employment in caring for Country.

Principles of joint management

Respect for culture

Agreements on the joint management of our Country should be based on the full respect for our rights as Traditional Owners and be based on recognition of our responsibilities to care for our Country. This means that we have a unique role to play in conserving and protecting our culture through caring for Country.

Shared benefits

As Traditional Owners, through the DDWCAC, Dja Dja Wurrung People should expect to share fully and equitably in the benefits associated with joint management. This includes the sharing of power and authority in decision-making and meaningful access to the benefits accruing from land management activities.

Equal partnerships

Involvement from the start of planning processes as an equal partner is essential to ensuring that the partnership is respectful and beneficial to all parties. This includes the ability to have a determining say in the structures and processes for negotiation and decision-making around joint management planning itself.

Appropriate resourcing

The demands on our representative body, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and our wider community and Elders, are many and varied. Appropriate resourcing and support is required for us to participate in the joint management process.

Stakeholder Workshops

Feedback from the stakeholder workshops held in October 2019, has been considered during the development of the concepts, as summarised below.


“Areas in and beyond the central plaza could include landscape elements and sculptures with reference to iconic Bendigo Geology and Flora.”

Judy Milner, Growing Friends Group

FBBG Growing Friends

• Concerned about the reliability of the water supply for the water bodies given the rainfall and evaporation rates. Will not support the use of topping up with a potable supply.

• Plant species should be resilient to the unique Bendigo climate, with a preference for indigenous species.

• The botanic collection should be the focus and this should be an opportunity to showcase the flora of the Bendigo region, including the wildflowers of the region.

• There is an opportunity to reference the unique geology of the area.

• The mulberry tree on site should be retained for its historical value.

• There is an opportunity to incorporate sculptures as part of the entry feature.

• Preference for curves and organic form in the building.

• Like the idea of letting the ‘outside–in’, north facing windows and a pergola structure adjoining the building.

• Ideally the building should be centrally located and open out with a vista in both directions (Heritage and GFTF aspects) to link the two garden areas rather than segregate them.

• There needs to be noise seperation from the cafe to the multi-purpose spaces.

• Allow for shade in Bendigo’s hot arid climate.

Mulberry tree located within the site said to date back to the Chinese market gardens

FBBG Botanical Illustrators

• Facility for displaying artwork in a public space.

• Plenty of natural light as well as well as evenly spread artificial lighting


Continuing The Conversations

Through the design development of the project re-engagement with the stakeholder groups and the community is planned to continue with the journey that they have help guide at the project inception.

shared knowledge &

learning

listening

trust

walking country

collaboration

research

shared learning

stories & language

memories & associations

artefacts & geology

contemporary indigenous practices

artcolour pattern

flora & fauna

traditional plants

built form

approach & transitions

education

patterns or markers

traditional values

project life engagement

design influence

ongoing collaboration

representation themes

exchange

Continued Collaboration


Expeience The Vision

5.0

Vis

ion

“A garden that will celebrate the past, appreciate the present and embrace the future”Vision StatementBendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills - Master Plan, 2010

Vision

As the gateway to the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, it is envisioned that the Central Hub Precinct will be cohesive and sensitively respond to its natural, historic and social context, while providing high quality design for all to enjoy. The design must announce the Garden’s entrance and consider the fluent and legible connections to the existing Heritage Garden and Garden for the Future and acknowledge the Master Plan and its future long term vision. The precinct offers the opportunity for the community and visitors to connect with each other and learn and engage with the unique qualities of the local ecology, its water cycle, the land and its flora.

e ultimate destination.


Reflect and educate

Evoke culture, the arts, and storytelling

Connect people, place and nature

Heal land and water

Create a Sense of Arrival

Design Principles


Adelaide Botanic Gardens


CONNECTION TO WATER Adelaide Botanic Gardens


CONNECTION TO WATER

Yarra river frontage, Abbotsford

Yarra river frontage, Abbotsford

INDOOR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

Eastland Pop-up Market, Ringwood

COMMUNITY SPACE AND ARRIVAL

Visitor Experiences


Visitor Centre Program

Figure 06. Place characteristics & textures

(Source: GHD)

Purpose of the Visitor Centre

As stated in the Master Plan ‘the visitors centre should be an iconic, forward looking, innovative building immersed within inhabitable gardens and encircled by substantial ponds of water’.

It is documented to include:

• Visitor information / interpretative centre, will provide essential visitor services and interpretive displays and artworks. It is intended to both attract and welcome visitors to the space. It should be a highly attractive and engaging area that displays collections of artwork and interpretation related to the Gardens, including space for temporary art exhibitions

• Café, a niche development centred on using fresh, healthy and tasty local produce. The café area will accommodate both take-away and sit-down light meals, snacks and beverages, with the capacity to service both casual Gardens visitors and groups utilising the multi-purpose meeting/function spaces.

• Multi-purpose and scalable space, that is able to be used by:

- Schools, community or business talks/seminars presentations/meetings

- Small functions and conferences

- Art classes

- Venue for Bendigo Writers Festival or art or culture exhibitions

- Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens meetings


Site Analysis

Heritage Botanic Gardens

Proposed location of the cast iron conservatory

Garden for the Future Contemporary Arid

Plant Collection

Preserve important thoroughfare

Potential stronger connection to

Bendigo Creek

Potential to realign bridge for greater

legibility

Potential to realign bridge for greater

legibility

Shared path on west side of creek key pedestrian and

bicycle access

Existing large Eucalyptus trees

Important arrival sequence accross

bridge

Existing elm trees and historic

mulberry tree

Important arrival sequence

Main approach from Hamelin Street and

bus stop

Approach from proposed master plan programs to the west

Potential for water feature from

stormwater harvesting

Potential to provide a link and transitional space between the existing gardens

potential for soft transition between

landscapes

potential for clear distinction between

landscapes

Spatial Drivers

Scraping, piling, protection from weather elements, buffering, healing.

This shall be a place that is embedded/ anchored to the landscape. Promotes the idea of the subservient building entered from multiple points. It will act as another smaller space within the hub.

Access is curated and defined by vistas and topography, not set paths. Visitors curate their own journey and rituals through the gardens.

Upside-down country

Welcoming from all directions

A small part of a greater journey


The Botanic Collection

Botanic narrative

The botanical collection weaves the ecological, cultural and environmental history of Bendigo; pre-colonisation, post-colonisation and future direction of the site into the proposed garden beds. These garden beds reflect the six seasons observed by the Dja Dja Wurrung people as shown in the adjacent diagram. Prior to colonisation the Dja Dja Wurrung used the indigenous flora for food and medicine. Nardoo, Murnong (yam daisies) and wattle seeds are key bush tucker species that reflect the site’s locational and cultural heritage. Lomandra is used for basket weaving.

The Mulberry tree located within the site is believed to be planted as part of the market gardens established by the Chinese community and is used as a key node for congregation and visitor engagement in the proposed design. The activity of the gold rush saw the devastation of land and water; turning the geology of the area over and creating what is now known as ‘upside-down country’.

Drawing on this need for a reconnection to the site’s pre-colonisation environmental state, and incorporating the Heritage Gardens and the Garden for the Future, the proposed botanical concept situates itself between the themes of the two - by referencing the past in the strongly indigenous plant palette, and looking to the future by aiming for remediation and repair of the land, and strengthening the connection to the Traditional Owners of the land.

Sources: http://www.herringisland.org/seasons1.htmhttps://connectingcountry.org.au/walking-together-towards-reconciliation-weather-knowledge-of-the-kulin-nations/

TRUE SPRING

H

IGH

SU

MM

ER

LATE

SUMMER

EARLY WINTER

DEEP WIN

TER

P

RE-

SP

RIN

G

Land drying out, people congregating around reliable water sources, grasses flowering, fruits ripening.

Rains arrive, plants that dried over high summer are renewed, trees flowering providing nectar, attracting birdlife.

Ground is warm and rain is common, fungi are appearing, animals are very active.

Birds are nesting, people moved to higher ground away from flooding water bodies, herbs are green and growing, people congregating and staying warm.

Wattle is flowering, food plants flowering, temperatures are rising again.

More food plants are flowering, and food is plentiful, animals become active again, flooding and filling of waterways occurs.


PR

E-COLONISATION

Nardoo

Scar tree

Spiny-headed mat-rush

Mulberry tree

Gold rush remnants

Creek remediation

Botanic Gardens

MurnongPOST-COLONISATION

NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE


Expeience The Concept

6.0

The

Co

ncep

t“A garden that will celebrate the past, appreciate the present and embrace the future”Vision StatementBendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills - Master Plan, 2010

Overview

In order to deliver a concept that best suits the community’s need the design process, so far, has been a continual iterative process with the City of Greater Bendigo exploring themes around:

• circulation

• building siting

• garden interface

• water interaction

• visitor experience

• botanical collection

• overall thematic

The final concept is a crystallisation of the substantial engagement process. The main features of the design are:

• An overall organising structure to the form of the layout and paths derived from the cracked earth of the ‘Upside Down Land’. A description of the local land by the Dja Dja Wurrung after decades of witnessing decades poor land management practices stemming from the Gold Rush era.

• Feature ponds, located near the café with accessible points for safe interaction. These ponds would be scalable to respond to seasonal water availability and would be fed by the stormwater pipe traversing the site.

• Botanical arrangement to be arranged into the six distinct zones to showcase the botanical features of the seasons described by the Dja Dja Wurrung and a display that showcase pre-colonisation edible and usable vegetation, post colonisation vegetation and a collection that represents the continual program of land rehabilitation and remediation.

• Shaded areas for outdoor café seating, outdoor learning, etc potting stations for seedlings with students.

• Engagement with the adjacent Bendigo Creek with a soft boundary and terraced seating under the shade of the existing Eucalypt trees along the bank.

• Integration with the Garden for the Future to the south and the Heritage Garden to the north, including the potential inclusion of the heritage conservatory.

• Feature rammed earth walls used as wayfinding and interpretation elements in the landscape to showcase the profile of the ‘Upside Down Land’ over time.

• Potential for the inclusion of feature earthen mounds with integrated seating at the termination of Hamelin Street to provide a visual cue for visitors approaching from this direction. These mounds are an interpretation of the mounds of spoil prevalent in the area during the Gold Rush era. They could also be represented inside planter beds with soil and vegetation.

This final concept plan will be modified during detailed design, but will provide the strategic vision guiding the outcome.


Final Concept Plan

Final Concept Plan

Feature earthen mounds to reference spoil mounds from Gold Rush

Stone steps wrap around existing Mulberry tree leading to water’s edge

Existing Mulberry tree to be retained and protected

Proposed indigenous planting concept informed by 6 seasons of the Dja Dja Wurrung

Large existing Eucalyptus trees

Feature ephemeral water body fed by storm water

Proposed overflow connect to creek

Terraced steps/seating facing creek

Potential kitchen demonstration garden

Outdoor learning space

Climbable mound

Finer grained ‘Cracked Earth’ in natural stone raised planters for

- natural play

- group seating

- story telling

Bus

Sto

p

Hamelin Street

Visitor centre faces north to create microclimate and for long-term sustainability, and orientated such that there are views to the existing Heritage Gardens, as well as the Garden for the Future

Strong central axes of paths provide clear connection from the Garden for the Future and the Heritage Gardens, and east-west connectivity to Bendigo Creek and beyond

Rammed earth walls Paths informed by desire lines to and from roads and visitor centre


Context Plan

Existing swimming pool

Heritage Garden

Bend

igo

Cree

k


New visitor centre

Proposed bridge


Indicative Tree Canopy


The proposed planting is firmly rooted in the indigenous species that have been historically found in the area, and six distinct planting beds will emphasise the six seasons of the country as defined by the Dja Dja Wurrung. The planting is intended to showcase the attractive native flora of Bendigo, indigenous bush tucker and medicine of the Traditional Owners and remediate the land with a focus on biodiversity. The overaching materiality of the site is tied into the garden beds with corten steel edging and granitic gravel goat tracks weaving throughout the indigenous planting; encouraging visitor engagement.

Garden beds


Water

The feature water body speaks to the site’s history and the need for the remediation of the land and water. It also reflects the connection to the creek at the edge of the site. It provides an opportunity for engagement learning to visitors; tying into the over-arching themes of the concept of water and creek remediation and connection to the ecology, water cycle and indigenous flora.


Rammed earth walls

The rammed earth feature walls, extending along the axes of the building’s facade, are situated to tell the story of the land upon which it is placed. Layers of locally sourced earth will be used to tangibly represent the rich history of Bendigo through its geology; from before colonisation, through the gold-rush and the devastation to the land that resulted, drawing people into the concept of ‘upside-down’ country and the present-day concept and awareness of the need for remediation of the land.


Gathering and Learning Spaces

A number of learning and gathering spaces are located around the site, comprising spaces with natural stone and timber materiality for nature play activities, seating and open space for outdoor learning and story telling, and rock step and a linear amphitheatre space graded down towards the feature water body and Bendigo Creek, respectively, to allow visitor interaction with the natural environment and water bodies.


Informal exploration tracks

The secondary paths in the proposed concept are designed based on the anticipated desire lines connecting new and existing nodes in the landscape. These goat tracks allow visitors to create their own experience of the landscape, encouraging exploration and hands-on sensory discovery of the unique aspects of different parts of the site.


The proposed bridge acts not only as a connection and object of transition, but its materiality also speaks to the surrounding country. An organic form of timber and corten steel draws on an earthy palette informed by the site’s heritage and surrounds. The materiality is reflected throughout the site, creating consistency and cohesion though out the concept design and firmly anchoring it in its position as the central location of the Gardens. The location and shape of the bridge references a previous alignment of Bendigo Creek with the bend allowing for a viewing and resting platform that could include interprative information.

Bridge


Architecture

The visitor centre is designed to be an extension of the landscape. A series of shifting rammed earth walls mediate the transition from landscape to built form. They serve to frame views and enclose protected, intimate external landscapes. The rammed earth material acting as an extension of the natural environment.

The building is surrounded by landscape and positioned centrally within the site. It faces the water and has numerous new pedestrian routes radiating out from its central core. The canopy is designed to provide shading and relief in conjunction with the feature water body, and is orientated to align with the surrounding paths to draw visitors in.

The Visitor Centre


The visitors centre building incorporated a range of considerations including splitting the building footprint to incorporate the historic mulberry tree, providing a more visually direct connection between the existing heritage gardens and the Garden for the Future and creating a stronger entrance gateway to the visitors centre. The building was orientated further towards north and its footprint moved in order to provide optimal shade and opportunities for the development of microclimates on the site. The broad canopy of the building provides shade and relief (particularly in conjunction with the feature ephemeral water body) from the hot and arid climate of the area. The timber-clad form of the building settles into and complements the landscape, while glazing permits visual permeability.


BLANK


GHD Pty Ltd

180 Lonsdale St | Melbourne | VIC | 3000

T (03) 8687 8000 F (03) 8687 8111 E www.ghd.com

© GHD Pty Ltd 2019

This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose of assessing our offer of services and for inclusion in documentation for the engagement of GHD. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

Document Status

Rev No.

Author Reviewer Authorisation Comment

Name Signature Name Signature Date

0 R.Nowoisky, G.Warren M.Palmer M.Palmer* M.Palmer M.Palmer* 20.04.20

Disclaimer:

This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.

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