Thursday 20th March was a historic day for Outward Bound Australia, as we broke ground on the location for our new Communal Centre. Set on site at our beautiful Tharwa Campus in the ACT on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal & Ngambri First Nations people, surrounded by huge eucalypt trees and noisy kookaburras, this was a significant moment for a project that has been over two years in the making. To see the first soil being dug was exciting to say the least, giving something tangible to what has been only plans and discussions thus far.
Like with everything we do here at Outward Bound, we are prioritising the wellbeing of the environment throughout this project. In collaboration with Paul Palmer at Ethical Construction Projects, the Centre has been designed to work with the existing natural contours and landscape. We have positioned the building around old native trees, and it will be situated at varying heights to accommodate for the natural undulations of the terrain.
A brilliant day with everyone from our two Board Co-Chairs – Dr Loren Miller and Jess Bulger – Russell Jackson, Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate from the ACT Government. Peta Duggan, our wonderful Community Engagement Manager made some delicious scones for everyone, and excited chats were had over cups of tea.
Thank you to everyone who came to the ceremony, and to all those who have contributed to the project so far; it’s been a huge effort! Special thanks to Sally Draper Architects, Paul Palmer at Ethical Construction Projects, and to our generous sponsors for their contributions.
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government.
