Dillon Kombumerri is a Yugembir man who grew up on Minjerriba (North Stradbroke Island). After graduating in architecture from the University of Sydney he, interior designer Alison Page and architect Kevin O'Brien set up the Merrima Aboriginal Design Unit within the NSW Government’s Department of Public Works in Sydney. Since 2000, the three designers have worked separately but founded an association of Indigenous architects, Merrima Design, helping to create architecture that respects Aboriginal cultural practices, connects to Country and includes Aboriginal communities in decisions regarding their environment. Kombumerri is now a principal architect for Government Architect NSW. With over 25 years of experience in architectural practice, he is passionate about projects that seek to improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of indigenous communities. He also lectures around the world about the value of Indigenous knowledge in delivering better outcomes for the built and natural environment.
Penny Tweedie spent a year travelling around Australia in 2000 photographing and interviewing successful young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which resulted in her 2001 book Indigenous Australia: Standing Strong. This photograph of Kombumerri at work as an architect was taken for the project.
Gift of the artist 2004
© Estate of Penny Tweedie
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