Details.
When
Friday 21 November 2025
Where
Clarendon Auditorium, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
2 Clarendon Street
South Wharf Melbourne Vic 3006
— Google Maps
Tickets
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Program Info
The small group of First Nations architects and academics have been shifting the Western paradigm of architecture in Australia for many years. Finally, we are witnessing a broader swath of built projects that champion Indigenous collaborations, histories and knowledge. As the movement for Indigeneity in architecture grows, it is timely to take a pulse check on the industry, to see how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. This symposium explores projects and architectural processes that demonstrate best practice when designing for First Nations clients, communities and for Country.
Partners
Premium Partner
Contacts
Heather Cotton
Project Manager, Awards and Events
Curatorial Committee.
Sarah Lynn Rees
Associate Principal, Indigenous Design and Engagement Lead, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Sarah Lynn Rees is a Palawa woman descending from the Plangermaireener and Trawlwoolway people of North-East Tasmania. Based in Birrarung-ga (Melbourne), she is an architectural practitioner, academic and writer. She is also prominent advocate and advisor with a firm commitment to Indigenising the built environment.
Sarah is an associate principal at Jackson Clements Burrows Architects and a lecturer at Monash University. Some of her numerous industry appointments include co-chair of the Australian Institute for Architects First Nations Advisory Committee, Program consultant and curator of the BLAKitecture series at MPavilion and a director on the board of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Carroll Go-Sam
Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, University of Queensland
Carroll Go-Sam is a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Architecture, University of Queensland. She is a descendant of Dyirbal bama peoples of gumbilbara Country, from the upper Herbert and Tully bana (water) basins, North Queensland.
Dillon Kombumerri
Principal Architect, Government Architect New South Wales
Dillon Kombumerri is a principal architect for the Government Architect NSW. Originally from Queensland, he grew up on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and is a Yugumbir descendent from the Gold Coast.
With over 25 years of experience in architectural practice, Dillon brings his own unique indigenous perspective to the design of buildings and places. Through the design process he always strives to improve the health and wellbeing of Country and indigenous communities.
Sarah Lynn Rees
Associate Principal, Indigenous Design and Engagement Lead, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Sarah Lynn Rees is a Palawa woman descending from the Plangermaireener and Trawlwoolway people of North-East Tasmania. Based in Birrarung-ga (Melbourne), she is an architectural practitioner, academic and writer. She is also prominent advocate and advisor with a firm commitment to Indigenising the built environment.
Sarah is an associate principal at Jackson Clements Burrows Architects and a lecturer at Monash University. Some of her numerous industry appointments include co-chair of the Australian Institute for Architects First Nations Advisory Committee, Program consultant and curator of the BLAKitecture series at MPavilion and a director on the board of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Carroll Go-Sam
Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, University of Queensland
Carroll Go-Sam is a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Architecture, University of Queensland. She is a descendant of Dyirbal bama peoples of gumbilbara Country, from the upper Herbert and Tully bana (water) basins, North Queensland.
Dillon Kombumerri
Principal Architect, Government Architect New South Wales
Dillon Kombumerri is a principal architect for the Government Architect NSW. Originally from Queensland, he grew up on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and is a Yugumbir descendent from the Gold Coast.
With over 25 years of experience in architectural practice, Dillon brings his own unique indigenous perspective to the design of buildings and places. Through the design process he always strives to improve the health and wellbeing of Country and indigenous communities.