Victoria
Wirrng Wirrng is a new community hub for Queenscliff, named by Corrina Eccles on behalf of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners after the phrase meaning listen with both ears. This invitation is reflected in the shared functions of library, museum, visitor information centre and community meeting place it is a building for learning, listening and communicating, and a reminder to listen to Country.
Located on the main street, Wirrng Wirrng provides publicly accessible, inviting, and relaxing spaces for residents and its many visitors. The Queenscliffe Library, Visitor Information Centre and Queenscliffe Historic Museum have been co-located on the site for many years, with these new upgrades improving and supporting mutual interests. This facility prioritises environmental sustainability, flexibility, and functionality, seamlessly integrating heritage with existing building elements.
External public amenity extends from footpath to rear laneway through considered urban furniture, front park, a 24-hour interactive building façade, sunny courtyard, and shady rear garden.
The design benefits the way we operate as a business and engage with our community because it has become a meeting place, recognisable to locals and visitors. The building incorporates public spaces that facilitate movement, but also gathering, discussion and community interaction.
It has successfully blended four functions around the themes of storytelling, learning and listening that serve as the purpose for the building. It provides us flexibility to operate and adjust to the business we are conducting.
In the street the building enhances the heritage around it while standing as a distinctive enhancement of its urban setting.
Kerstin Thompson, Design Architect
Claire Humphreys, Associate Principal
Kelsey Jovanou, Project Lead
Anastasia Douakarous, Architect
Sarah Cooper, Architect
Martin Allen, Architect
Before Compliance, DDA Consultant
BSA Building Surveyors, Building Surveyor
Cerno Management, Project Manager
David Jones (Dr David S Jones) & Corrina Eccles, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Inhabit, Acoustic Consultant
Irwin Consult, Structural Engineer
KTA, Wayfinding and Signage
Lovell Chen, Heritage Consultant
Simon Ellis Landscape Architects, Landscape Consultant
The Planning Professionals, Town Planner
WSP, AV Consultant
WSP, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Electrical, Fire Engineer
Yttrup, Structural, Civil Engineer
Zinc Cost Management, Quantity Surveyor
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
