When we embarked on this project to revitalise the community centre precinct in 2016, we explored the idea of the cultural underpinnings that we hoped that the centre would represent.

‘Geburrh’ or ‘Geboor’ is the traditional name for Mount Macedon, in the Aboriginal Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.

Like Uluru in the Northern Territory, also known as Ayers Rock, the name Geburrh was chosen to pay tribute and respect towards the traditional land owners where the existing Woodend Community Centre site looks towards Mount Macedon. It’s a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Woodend as a village and the original people and history that makes Woodend what it is today.

Designed by Brad Welsh of Büro of Ideas, the Woodend Community & Cultural logo represents the cultural heart of Woodend, as a meeting place that encourages and supports new ideas, sharing and community.

In Brad’s own words:

“The most wonderful thing about the proposed new Woodend Community & Cultural Centre is the place itself. The amazing new buildings and resources to the community. The spaces that have been so beautifully designed and considered – and purposefully placed on site. All of the creative thinking and dreaming and designing culminates in a precinct that lives and breathes – and acts as an important conduit for healthy, vibrant, lively community activity and engagement. The insignia is a hand-drawn symbolic representation of the spaces that make up the centre from plan view. There is an element through the middle that connects and suggests movement between the spaces.”

Update: Mid 2017, we received feedback from Dja Dja Wurang Elders that our use of the name “Geburrh” for a possible new community and cultural space, was incorrect in context of the community centres location itself. With this insight, the Geburrh name has given way to a more holistic approach with the site currently referred to as the “Woodend Community & Cultural Centre” in an effort to retain clarity and respect to the first nations people. Part of this consultative process has seen us engage with the aboriginal community who have indicated interest in assisting us with a correctly framed and appropriate name for the centre. 

Find out More

• Wurundjeri Tribe: http://wurundjeri.com.au
• Dja Dja Wurung Tribe: https://www.djadjawurrung.com.au
• Mount Macedon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Macedon,_Victoria
• Büro of Ideas: http://buroofideas.com/