Design informed by Country at Willowdale

GML was commissioned by Stockland to undertake historical and Aboriginal archaeological investigations at Willowdale in Sydney’s southwest, as part of the site’s residential development.

Working in collaboration with local Aboriginal community members, the investigations revealed evidence of long-term Aboriginal occupation spanning more than 7,000 years, including indications that the site was organised into distinct activity areas used by family groups for cooking, tool-making, and ceremonial purposes.

The excavations identified thirteen clay ovens, one of which remained intact. Formed within shallow hollows, these ovens were used to roast food and provide insight into everyday cultural practices associated with the site.

These findings contributed to the design of the Willowdale Sports Precinct developed by Sam Crawford Architects with Aspect Studio and artist Sonia van de Haar of Lymesmith, highlighted in a recent story in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Elements of the archaeological evidence have been reflected in the material and colour palette of the new precinct, drawing on the ‘patterned earth’ observed in the remains of the clay ovens.

On-site interpretation also shares further detail on the Aboriginal history and archaeology of the site.

Read more about our excavation of the Willowdale site and our key findings. A PDF version of the Sydney Morning Herald story can be viewed here.