Country-guided practices
To meet the current sustainability challenges and be better caretakers of our environment, architects, designers, and construction managers need to become familiar with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, seeing, and doing. This is accomplished by acknowledging Country as the author, guide, and reference point for creating design that blends, moulds, and correlates with Australia's cultural landscape. Using best practices, Country-informed design meets the specific criteria set forth in the National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021 (NSCA 2021).
We also acknowledge those who walked before us.
Country-guided practice courses
ARBE6805 - Decolonisation and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
This micro credential introduces students to decolonised practices and Indigenous knowledge systems in their professional practice. Participants will learn how to critically engage with Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being, and apply creative research methodologies that centre Country and community. The course blends theoretical frameworks with practical application through a live project case study and reflective research design.
ARBE6806 - First Nations Community Engagement and Indigenous Cultural Heritage
This micro credential focuses on respectful collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities to support the protection of cultural heritage and uphold cultural protocols. It is designed for professionals working in government and industry who seek to build meaningful relationships and practice cultural accountability in their work with First Nations peoples and places.
As part of their studies with SABE, our students are exposed to traditional smoking ceremonies, teaching from Indigenous staff across our disciplines, learning on and from our bush-campus environment, and the opportunity to undertake special projects based in the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, and throughout New South Wales.
Country-guided practices in Indigenous design
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into the built environment
Embedding the narratives of cultural place into the built environment
Integrating embodied spiritual Knowledge into the built environment
Framing arts-based knowledge in elements of the build environment
Applying relational knowledge and Indigenous methodologies within research
Care for Country and Australia’s First Peoples is an active principle within our School.
Indigeneity both as a value and an animating force, is one of the main driving powers within our School. This value has influenced the design of all of our undergraduate and graduate programs. The focus on Indigeneity extends to SABE’s research efforts with our requirement for Indigenous participation in all its forms.
Our School respects the vast body of Aboriginal knowledge that needs to be shared, for the experience of a different wisdom – including human, societal, and environmental wisdoms.
Barry - Special Elective
Students on Special Elective
Student at Special Elective
Special Elective
Barry and Students on Special Elective
Students at Special Elective
The eight-ways framework
The eight-ways framework of Aboriginal pedagogy brings Indigenous ways of knowing and being into our classrooms. It comprises eight interconnected pedagogies that are grounded in people and place, which fits neatly with our School’s aims and philosophies.
The approach to teaching and learning is non-linear, introspective and highly reflective, involving repetition and returning to concepts to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their learning.
Source: 8 WAYS by Dr Tyson Yunkaporta
From Classroom Theory to Curiosity in Action | Experiment Fest 2026
Curiosity, discovery and hands-on learning were at the heart of this year’s Experiment Fest, which welcomed almost 1,400 high school students from across the Hunter, Central Coast and beyond. Led by the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, the annual initiative gives students a unique opportunity to learn from university academics and explore...
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National intelligence funding secured to turn hackers’ thinking against them
A University of Newcastle project designed to expose and exploit weaknesses in the way cyber attackers think has been awarded $783,409 Office of National Intelligence funding through the National Intelligence Discovery Grant program, funded by the Australian Government.
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Hydro Harvester secures $1.9 million for WA farm trial
A University of Newcastle-led project that harvests water from the atmosphere has secured $1,904,166 funding through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Innovation Challenges Pilot Program.
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Rare colour shifting discovered in iconic Australian frog
University of Newcastle researchers have documented one of the clearest examples of iridescence ever recorded in an amphibian, revealing that the endangered green and golden bell frog (Ranoidea aurea) possesses intricate colour-shifting skin previously unseen in the species.
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From kitchen table to Woolworths shelves
From kitchen table to woolworths shelves
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New medical engineering tech aims to speed up recovery for burns victims
A new medical engineering technology developed at the University of Newcastle could significantly improve recovery outcomes for burn patients.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.