Athiqah Ummi Salma

athiqah.ahmed@gmail.com↗

Blicks is a community comprising the localities Hernani, Tyrringham, Dundurrabin, and Billys Creek in Clarence Valley, all of which were deeply impacted from the 2019/2020 bushfire season, and are still at risk from bushfires.

Following a series of co-creation workshops with the community, the Regeneration project was one of the key themes identified. The ideas were rooted in the community's strong desire to reconnect with nature, preserve Indigenous knowledge, and revitalise native vegetation and species. The project aims to prioritise the protection, preservation, and regeneration of the Blicks Rainforest, subsequently enhancing fire resilience, and promoting community education.

Student Engagement Prize

For students who contributed and enhanced the culture of the department.

Regeneration Systems Diagram

The systems diagram identifies the scope and interconnections among diverse locations. The regeneration project revolves around three core themes: Community Education, providing spaces for learning and teaching; Celebration of Ecologies and Culture, offering areas for community engagement with nature and significant cultural sites; and Support, focusing on built structures to aid the ongoing work in regeneration of the Blicks Rainforest.

Floorplan of the Knowledge Centre and Caretakers Hut

A space for the community to gather to participate in workshops and classes to facilitate active stewardship of the natural environment. The centre is supported by the Caretakers Hut which will maintain the area as a community safe place and refuge for vulnerable plant species.

Section of the Knowledge Centre

The structure has an exterior facing rammed earth wall, serving both as a visually compelling barrier between the road and the park. The wall is complemented by a lightweight elevated flooring system that descends into a series of steps that form a circular campfire area. The roof design is thoughtfully crafted to maximise the intake of natural light from the north while providing treetop views.

Section of the Rangers Cabin

The ranger base is a space for on Country housing, bringing sustainable livelihoods onto Country to help protect and regenerate the Blicks and surrounding area. The structure is elevated off the ground to minimise its impact on the landscape and harmoniously integrate itself amongst the trees. Nestled alongside the Dundurrabin Community Centre, the cabin's layout seamlessly balances between areas for public-facing activities and private spaces for the rangers.

Student Engagement Prize

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