Student Highlights
Exploring creativity and culture

Newcastle local and proud descendant of the Gomeroi mob, Gizelle has had the opportunity to embed and learn more about her own culture in her Master of Architecture studies at the University of Newcastle.

Gizelle chose to study at the University of Newcastle for both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees because of its unique bushland location and natural studio environment.

"There’s no other architecture school where you can sit at your desk and watch magpies play in gumtrees all day or hear the distant sounds of black cockatoos," she said.

For Gizelle, the studio is particularly special and has been a highlight ever since visiting during Open Day and getting a glimpse of the personalised student desks.

“I was intrigued when I visited an Open Day and saw everyone’s desks set up as if they lived there. It felt like a home,” she said.

While Gizelle initially began studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology straight after high school, she realised it was not for her and took some time to regroup. Since enrolling in the Bachelor of Design (Architecture), she has never looked back.

The University of Newcastle has provided Gizelle with exposure to various architectural career trajectories. She has appreciated the opportunities to hear from influential voices and stakeholders in the industry while studying.

"It’s reassuring to know that there are numerous career paths I can explore with my degree," she said.

Gizelle is passionate about working with Indigenous communities and using her architectural skills to make housing accessible to all.

“I would love to collaborate with Mob and engage in discussions about the future of our built environment,” she said.

Throughout her studies, Gizelle has made lifelong friends at the studio and these friendships have been a source of resilience during challenging times.

“I owe a lot of my resilience to my university friends who supported me. These friendships motivated me to work hard and improve my skills,” she said.

She has also received significant support from tutors who have been with her since her first year of study.

Gizelle was able to gain some work in a local architecture firm for two years while she studied, gaining valuable career experience in this time.

"It makes a significant difference to be surrounded by inspiring individuals," she said.

As a Masters student, Gizelle's thesis project, titled “Anti-Museum,” explores the concept of ‘anarchitecture’ in heritage-protected buildings as a means of reparative action for Indigenous memory.

Her project aims to shift perspectives on the historical significance of the Newcastle post office and unveil the narrative of the land beneath.

The post office is near the original shoreline of the Hunter River, which held immense cultural importance for the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. This connection was disrupted by dredging and land reclamation.

In response, Gizelle has designed small artefacts that function as mechanical devices crafted from the Country. These objects are intended to evoke lost Indigenous memories rather than display stolen artefacts.

Ultimately, these small machines are designed to destroy the building, allowing the Country to reclaim what was originally taken from it.

Gizelle's journey in the Master of Architecture program has been transformative, providing her with the skills and insights needed to succeed in her future career. She is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and looks forward to making a positive impact through her work.

Once she graduates, Gizelle plans to travel and explore different work environments to find the right fit for her.

Gizelle McKinnon

Newcastle local and proud descendant of the Gomeroi mob, Gizelle has had the opportunity to embed and learn more about her own culture in her Master of Architecture studies.

There’s no other architecture school where you can sit at your desk and watch magpies play in gumtrees all day or hear the distant sounds of black cockatoos.