First Nations design and innovation on the world stage
Description
First Nations design and innovation on the world stage
Date: Monday, 07 September 2026
Time:11:15am - 12:30pm
Location: Nelson Meers Foundation Auditorium, Chau Chak Wing Museum
This event highlights Australian First Nations led design and innovation on the global stage. From the extraordinary Home pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architectural Biennale to the significant work of Country centred designers at Western Sydney Aerotropolis, we hear from leading First Nations practitioners and scholars.
Speakers:
Matte Ager-McConnell, Lecturer, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of Technology Sydney | Wiradjuri Design Director, Garigarra
Elle Davison, Aboriginal Planning Lecturer, Acting Associate Dean Indigenous, Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, the University of Sydney
Dr Danièle Hromek, Director, Djinjama
Chaired by
Jess Herder, Principal, Thirriwirri, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Festival of translocal Urbanism 2026
Sydney Festival 7-11 September
National events September – October 2026
Translocality describes the interconnectedness between different places and people, beyond national boundaries. The circulation of people, goods, knowledge and capital, though an ancient process, is facilitated and impacted by new technologies, bringing new opportunities and challenges for cities and regions. Increasingly important, a translocal lens highlights these deep and intersecting relationships between people and places over time – from the legacies of colonisation and environmental change to contemporary patterns of migration and cultural diversity. Through panel discussions, debates, exhibitions, and tours, and featuring thought leaders from academia, the arts, industry, and civil society, the 2026 Festival of translocal Urbanism examines and celebrates the complex social, economic and environmental connections between local and global communities.
Speakers Bio
Matte Ager-McConnell
Matte Ager McConnell, a Wiradjuri man, is a Lecturer in Architecture and Landscape Architecture and Design Director of garigarra, a critical spatial practice delivering major public, cultural and infrastructure projects across NSW. His work interrogates how colonial systems shape contemporary built environments and advances Country led, relational and decolonial design methodologies. Grounded in Wiradjuri knowledge and yindyamarra, his research, teaching and practice centre First Nations sovereignty, governance and accountability to Country. Matte coordinates Architectural Studio 01, reshaping first year architectural education through a Country first approach. He also contributes to the Indigenous Institute for Designing with Country, supporting Professor Alison Page to strengthen Country centred teaching, research and industry practice.
Elle Davidson
Elle Davidson is a Balanggarra woman from the East Kimberley and descendant of Captain William Bligh, and describes herself as being caught in the cross-winds of Australia’s history. With a passion to empower the voices of First Nations People, Elle combines her Town Planning and Indigenous Engagement qualifications to shape our places and spaces. Through her approach, she creates a strong platform for Aboriginal voices in the planning process and builds allies to advocate for community. She is the Director of Zion Engagement and Planning, an Aboriginal training and consulting business and an Aboriginal Planning Lecturer and Acting Associate Dean Indigenous – School of Architecture, Design and Planning at University of Sydney.
Dr Daniele Hromek
Dr Danièle Hromek is a Budawang/Murramarang/Dhurga/Yuin – Burrier/Dharawal woman. She centres Country in her design process for it to be the driver for the design of the built environment. Working at the intersection of architecture, urban design, performance design and fine arts, Danièle is a spatial designer, cultural advisor and researcher. Danièle’s research is grounded in her cultural and experiential heritage. It contributes an understanding of the Indigenous experience and comprehension of space, investigating how Aboriginal people occupy, use, narrate, sense, dream and contest their spaces. Danièle is director of Djinjama, offering cultural design and research.
Jess Herder
Jess is a Dunghutti woman with over 20 years' experience in NSW government roles focusing on natural and cultural heritage management, and land use planning. Growing up on Dharawal Country and now living on Dharug Country, she has developed and delivered a wide range of strategies, programs, and projects in collaboration with Aboriginal communities across local to state-wide levels. Holding qualifications in Environmental Science, Project Management, and Urban and Regional Planning, Jess is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for First Nations communities. This commitment extends to her volunteer work, including a recent position as Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning.
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