Council

Reconciliation Rocks recognised

Cooktown’s recently created Reconciliation Rocks precinct has been awarded the 2022 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland (AILA Qld) award for Cultural Heritage. The precinct was sympathetically designed by prominent landscape architect Andrew Prowse of LA3 Landscape Architecture.

The project was a joint initiative between the Cooktown Re-enactment Association and Cook Shire Council, which secured the funding and managed the delivery of the project from inception to closeout. To ensure the historic precinct respectfully honours the story of Australia’s first recorded act of reconciliation, an extensive community consultation program was undertaken. Two striking pieces of public art by renowned sculptor Braham Stevens of Studio Braham were also commissioned, which help to define this special place.

“Central to the project was the collaboration between First Nation’s stakeholders and the design team to ensure the space authentically showcases and meaningfully shares the story of first recorded act of Reconciliation that took place there in 1770,” said Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott.

“It is a tremendous honour and a testament to the success of this collaboration, to see the precinct and the team that helped bring it all to life recognised with this award,” Cr Scott said.

Traditional Owners and Indigenous leaders consult with artists and designers

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION: Traditional Owners and Indigenous community members collaborated with stakeholders, artists, and designers as part of project planning and preparations.

AILA is the peak body for the landscape architectural profession. Their independently judged awards are an opportunity for public and peer recognition of landscape architects’ work, and demonstrate to industry, business, government and the wider community the positive impact the profession has on Australian lives through the planning and design of the built and natural environments.

The AILA Cultural Heritage award recognises Reconciliation Rocks as a stellar example of place-making in recognition of Waymburr cultural heritage.

Having won the State Award, Reconciliation Rocks now qualifies for automatic entry into the National Awards.

The entry and award can be found on the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects’ website.

Cook Shire Council would like to congratulate LA3 Landscape Architecture and thank the Indigenous stakeholders, the Cooktown Re-enactment Association and the tireless efforts of Alberta Hornsby and Loretta Sullivan for their commitment and dedication for this extraordinary project.

ABN: 45 425 085 688

10 Furneaux Street Cooktown, Qld 4895

Mail: PO Box 3 Cooktown, Qld 4895

Email: mail@cook.qld.gov.au

Phone: (07) 4082 0500

Fax: (07) 4082 0588

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