Bush University

NOT SUBBED In the heart of Bonyi Biar (the Bunya Mountains) country the Wakka Wakka people have created the Bush University where Elders and young people can have interactions with each other. Knowledge can be shared appropriately between generations and stories of country are rebuilt with the aim of keeping culture strong. The space means Traditional Owners can create opportunities to share the importance of the mountains and how the area has evolved into the present day in a culturally safe setting. The university takes on the form of the creator spirt Dhakkin (the Rainbow Serpent) sweeping across the landscape to create three circular areas. On one side is a designated space for women which is represented by water, while on the other side the space for men is represented by fire. In between the two spaces is a large circle where community can come together and dance. The design was inspired by the Dhakkin stone arrangement depicted at Gummingurru. Meters away from that space sits a contemporary genestream sculpture which documents the region to its deep time through art and scientific presentations on the flower type structure. It also links up with other genestream sculptures across the county.