Wanunbiri preschool engages Indigenous businesses to design and build new space

A community based preschool in the inner Sydney suburb of Alexandria has engaged the services of two Indigenous businesses, Generate Interiors and BY Group, to create “a fresh new design” for the children and families who use its services. 

Generate Interiors were selected alongside BY Group to make up a team comprised of 75 per cent Aboriginal-owned businesses to work on the project, which created two classrooms to accommodate up to 39 children.

The preschool has two classrooms, a large outdoor space for children to play, support spaces for staff, including a meeting room, a staff room, a kitchen and store-rooms.

“There are very few Aboriginal designers with my experience and expertise currently practicing today so the opportunity for Aboriginal businesses to work with an Aboriginal designer on projects like this is rare,” Generate Interiors Director, Jamie Wanless said.

The design incorporates Aboriginal colours throughout, with light, bright and fresh spaces which have a strong connection to the outside spaces, providing lots of natural light.

Light timber joinery has been included in the space to incorporate natural materials and compliment the bright and fresh palette. The outdoor area is colourful and creates a “fun, safe and stimulating” play space for the children.

“It feels great as a designer to be able to create a space which makes the children feel at home and which provides them a sense of ownership over the space,” Mr Wanless said.

In speaking about his progression as an Aboriginal business owner, he issued the following advice; “Back yourself every step of the way. no matter how difficult things get. If you continue to move forward and stay focused on your vision, backed by self-belief, you can achieve your goals.”

To find out more about Generate Interiors, head to www.generateinteriors.com.au