Bilya Koort Boodja, Centre for Nyoongar Culture and and Environmental Knowledge

Bilya Koort Boodja, (River, heart, country) is a Cultural Center, a meeting place and an expression of Ballardong Aboriginal Culture.

The local Aboriginal families and the Shire have worked together to create a place of memory and celebration for locals and visitors to the town.

The Architects and interpretive designers worked closely with the local Aboriginal families to frame stories and to help people to see the world through Ballardong Noongar eyes .  

The building is perched above the flood zone like a burnt tree trunk; the slatted jarrah screen protects the western verandah from the afternoon sun like a skinny forest and its serpentine forms lead people into the foyer, exhibition galleries and rich life within. A firepit, yarning circle, bush tucker plantings provide celebration spaces to gather the whole of Northam’s community.