Starting with Country | Reshaping Architecture Practice

BEAU DE BELLE

Beau de Belle was born in the regional city of Tamworth in Kamilaroi Country in Northern NSW, his connection to his Gamilaraay & Gomeroi heritage profoundly influences his artistic and design pursuits. He recently completed his PhD at RMIT via the prestigious Vice Chancellor, Indigenous pre-doctoral Research Fellowship. His doctoral research titled ‘Message Stick Protocols’ was an innovative project exploring the ways in which architects can play a pivotal role in fostering community-led architecture, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of engaging with communities and adhering to cultural protocols. These elements are critical for promoting sustainable development that is both respectful and reflective of the needs and values of Aboriginal communities.

DAVID NEWHAM

Qualifications: Master of Philosophy, University of New England; Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice (Aboriginal Lore and Culture), University of New England; Bachelor of Social Science, University of Newcastle; Diploma of Aboriginal Studies, University of Newcastle; Diploma of Business Management, TAFE NSW. David is a proud Aboriginal man Traditionally connected to the Wiradjuri and Ngemba groups of central and north-west NSW through the Glass/Williams families. Born in Waratah (NSW), he has lived all his life in Newcastle. A respected and experienced Aboriginal cultural educator, David brings over 25 years’ experience in Aboriginal community engagement, the public and not-for-profit sectors, and a specialty in Aboriginal culture, education and training. He holds extensive networks across Newcastle, the Hunter Region and NSW. David brings a poignant Indigenous lens to all his work, informed by Traditional Aboriginal philosophy and culturally responsive practice. David’s research expertise is in cultural and social contexts, Traditional Aboriginal philosophy, and cultural practice under Traditional Aboriginal Lore. His connections to many Aboriginal communities balanced with embedded, country-based knowledge systems, are invaluable to projects and the research paradigm. David’s Master of Philosophy thesis developed a Traditional Aboriginal pedagogy based on Ancient Aboriginal epistemology and philosophy. Central to David’s work is Indigenous-based and approved research methodologies co-designed in collaboration with other prominent ‘Indigenous’ academics and Elders. David has now extended this work to commence a journey into a Doctor of Philosophy taking a more in-depth exploration into Traditional Aboriginal philosophy.

HEATHER KEMBER

Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (First class Honours), University of Sydney; Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney; Graduate Certificate in project management, University of Newcastle; Prince2 certified. Heather is an accomplished researcher, strategist, and engagement specialist with over 15 years of experience spanning the worlds of academia, policy development, strategic planning and infrastructure delivery. Heather’s career has spanned roles in both Australia and the USA, where she has led research, engagement, and planning projects. This makes her adept at tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client and community. As a non-Indigenous person, she is deeply committed to nurturing a culturally responsive workplace and actively supports teams in building cultural capability while working to reduce the cultural load for Indigenous colleagues and stakeholders. Through her work, she strives to create inclusive spaces that empower individuals and communities to thrive.