Country’s voice is loud and clear. Are designers listening? Part 2. With Kat Rodwell and Hannah Galloway

Hassell Talks

You asked, Kat answered! Get ready for our 'Epic Yarn' - Part 2.

Part 1 saw Landscape Architect Hannah Galloway explore the topic of ​‘Listening’ with First Nations Consultant, Cultural Advisor and Storyteller Kat Rodwell. For the second half of this Epic Yarn, we asked listeners to send in questions to ask Kat - and boy, did you deliver.

No question was off-limits, and the prompt of 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable' saw questions about the dangers of 'fetishisation', about agriculture and contemporising culture, and the danger of Traditional Owners (TO’s) and First Nations consultant groups becoming overwhelmed and burnt-out. You also asked questions about the design industry, on reconciling project timelines, and the ways we can regenerate Country.

Part 1 explored the ​‘eggshells’ of engagement — the role of understanding that each project, situation and engagement is a unique opportunity to understand the land from the beginning. Exploring the nuances of cultural protocol and etiquette, Kat and Hannah also talked about the systems of Country that still speak loudly — even in crowded city centres — if we stop to listen.

These two episodes serve as a reminder and resource for designers, organisations, and individuals that we can listen and learn much – from Country – and each other.

Recorded on Lands of the Noongar Whadjuk people and the Wadawurrung people. Produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri people.

We pay our respects to the original custodians of the lands where we practice, and acknowledge their unique ability to care for country and their deep spiritual connection to it.