HI proudly supports Government Architect NSW’s Connecting with Country Framework, released during NAIDOC Week.
The framework provides guidance for government, planners, designers and industry on how to respond to Country in the planning, design and delivery of infrastructure projects in NSW.
This includes fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing with Aboriginal communities to guide more sustainable, resilient and culturally responsive planning and development.
The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital was a pilot project for the draft Connecting with Country Framework, demonstrating Health Infrastructure’s ongoing collaboration with the local Aboriginal community to help design the hospital to accommodate traditional practices such as birthing on country.
The Bathurst Hospital Redevelopment has also started aligning with the Connecting with Country Framework by meeting with and listening to local Aboriginal Elders, knowledge holders and community members. A Walk on Country and briefings with the community helped to inform the early designs for a culturally appropriate and welcoming health facility that acknowledges and promotes continuous caring and connection to Country.
The Design Guide for Health: Spaces, Places and Precincts, launched recently by Health Infrastructure and Government Architects NSW, also outlines the importance of Connecting with Country when planning and designing health facilities.