2026 I-SEED Award Winner
Government Architect Connecting with Country Framework
A statewide planning framework centering Aboriginal knowledge systems
Description
Connecting with Country is a framework to care for Country when designing built environments. It embraces the Aboriginal philosophy that ‘if we care for Country, Country will care for us.’
As we face the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, we are now recognizing the importance of creating better places that support our health and wellbeing, while minimizing our impact on the planet.
First Nations peoples around the world, including the Aboriginal people of New South Wales (NSW), have long understood the importance of living in balance with the natural world, and have developed practices and knowledge to support this.
The Connecting with Country framework, launched by the Government Architect NSW (GANSW) within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in 2023, is a comprehensive guide that provides practical ways to navigate changes and new directions in planning policy, particularly those related to Aboriginal culture and heritage. It offers insights into place-led design approaches that embrace and celebrate Aboriginal culture, protect sacred sites, and foster a stronger connection between our built environment and the people who inhabit it.
The Aboriginal concept of Country includes living and non-living entities within the landscape both seen and un-seen. It is a deeply spiritual connection to earth, water, sky, and spirit, as well as people, animals, plants, and the oral histories that connect them.
The Framework provides guidance on all phases of a project, and is critical in the re-imagining of how we engage with Country and cultural landscapes.
Stakeholders
Aboriginal communities; Local government; Government agencies; Design and planning industry; Developers, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
Design Team
Government Architect New South Wales: Abbie Galvin, Olivia Hyde, Paulo Macchia, Angus Bell, Barnaby Bennett, Elizabeth Bowra, Ben Campbell, Liam Ce, Rowanne Couch, Rose Davies, Rebecca Donney, Gail Fletcher, Jeremy Giacomini, Victoria Hamilton, Gabriela Heesh, Jillian Hopkins, Emma Kirkman, Dillon Kombumerri, Claire Krelle, Brindha Kugan, Sarah Lawlor, Carol Marra, Brooke Mathews, Meliza Morales Hoyos, Grace Mortlock, Guy Pinkerton, Lucy Rimmer, Barbara Schaffer, Diana Snape, Chris Taylor, Rory Toomey, Darlene van de Breggen, Grace Wolstencroft; Research and cultural advice: Dr Daniel Hromrek, Alison Page, Paul Memmott; Research and community engagement: Balarinji, Cox Inall Ridgeway: Research, cultural advice and community engagement: Linda Kennedy: Cultural advice and community perspectives: DEA Aboriginal staff through Aboriginal Network executive and members, Aboriginal Strategy and Outcomes team; Other key consultants: Aileen Sage Architects, Hassell, Tyrrell Studio; Illustration: Felix Saw; Design: Christie Fearns; Photography: Simon Wood
Jury Summary
The Government Architect Connecting with Country Framework is a contribution to planning and design across New South Wales, shifting practice from human-centered development toward a Country-centered approach grounded in Aboriginal knowledge. Developed with Aboriginal advisors, Traditional Custodians, organizations, land councils, government agencies, and design professionals, it guides project phases while promoting cultural heritage protection, care for sacred sites, environmental responsibility, cultural identity, and Aboriginal participation. The framework recognizes Country as encompassing living and nonliving entities, earth, water, sky, spirit, oral histories, and visible and unseen landscapes. Its statewide reach influences policy, procurement, employment, public health, cultural intellectual property, practice, capacity development, and long-term stewardship. It aligns with I-SEED principles through its emphasis on Aboriginal leadership, shared decision-making, representation, and cultural continuity.