palawa
Tasmania
Wybalenna is a profoundly sacred place for Tasmanian Aborigines, recognised internationally as a place of genocide. From 1833 to 1847, it operated as an open-air concentration camp, and after prolonged activism, was returned to Aboriginal ownership and care in 1999. Limited funding support has hindered proper care of the site for decades. Responding to these challenges, the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania launched ‘Truth Telling at Wybalenna’ in 2023, and prioritized the realisation of communal amenity for Aborigines at Wybalenna. This ablutions pavilion is the first new structure at the site in over a century. Prefabricated and constructed pro bono, the ablutions offers community amenity while also honouring the enduring spirit of the Palawa. While prosaic, it is also architecturally symbolic, and through its materiality and siting seeks to reflect the resilience and cultural meaning of the setting.
"The quality of work undertaken for Truth Telling at Wybalenna would not have been achieved without the commitment and unwavering support of Taylor and Hinds (T&H) Architects. This significant effort is made on behalf of Tasmanian Aborigines, and the sacred memory of our Old People at Wybalenna.Â
T&H have helped deliver important amenity for our people at Wybalenna. They have worked carefully with the sacred reality of this place and have a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of Tasmanian Aborigines that is second to none. T&H have worked with us, not for us, along this entire journey"
Mat Hinds, Project Architect
Poppy Taylor, Project Architect
Jessie Pankiw, Graduate of Architecture
Craig Suter – Crisp Brothers Haywards, Steel Fabricator
Tim Watson – Verto Engineers & Project Managers, Structural Engineer
Lucy Burke-Smith – Purcell, Heritage Consultant
Stephenie Cahalan, ALCT Project Officer
Lee Tyers – Lee Tyers Building Surveyors, Building Surveyor