Top honour for Indigenous designer
Respected Boonwurrung Elder, Professor N’arwee’t Carolyn Briggs, has been inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame, recognised as one of Australia’s most influential design thinkers.
Professor Briggs was one of five inductees honoured at an event held at the National Gallery of Victoria, alongside Paul Charlwood, Paul Huxtable, Geraldine Maher and Cal Swann.
Established in 1996, the awards have accoladed more than 140 Australian designers to date.
Indigenous-led research
Professor Briggs was recognised for her decades-long work bringing First Peoples knowledge into design practice across Australia, including in architecture, urban planning, landscape design and public infrastructure.
Based at the Wominjeka Djeembana Research Lab within Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA), Professor Briggs has pioneered Indigenous-led research for many years.
Her work includes advocating for the cultural return of a century-old thulu (tree) from Switzerland to Australia, and exploring how Indigenous knowledge systems can reshape urban water design.
Professor Briggs is the Elder in Residence behind Kindred People, Monash University’s new Indigenous-led festival celebrating First Nations arts, knowledges and community, which will run from 1 to 5 September.
She is also the Elder in Residence for the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership course at Monash Business School, Australia’s first Indigenous-led business master’s program.
Professor Briggs said she was honoured by the induction.
“This honour belongs to the community. Everything I have been able to contribute has come from working alongside Elders, creatives and knowledge holders who have generously shared their wisdom,” Professor Briggs said.
“I have been inspired by strong Aboriginal leaders, including Louisa Briggs, Michael Mansell, Hyllus Maris and Charles Perkins, and I hope this award helps open doors for the next generation and encourages young Indigenous people to be confident in their voices.
“I am grateful to my family for the strength and courage they have provided me, including my late mother Carrie, sister Eva, and brothers Fred and John.
“I would also like to acknowledge Elizabeth Tunstall, who was at the time the first Black dean of a faculty of design in the world, and who gave me the courage to pursue my PhD.”
Professor Tristan Kennedy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President, congratulated Professor Briggs on her achievement.
“We are incredibly proud to work alongside a strong Indigenous Elder with the calibre of Professor N’arwee’t Aunty Carolyn,” Professor Kennedy said.
Intellectual guidance
“I remain ever grateful for her contributions to our Monash community and for her generous cultural and intellectual guidance for the next generation of Indigenous leaders and knowledge holders.”
Beyond her research, Professor Briggs has dedicated her life to education and mentorship. She founded the Boon Wurrung Foundation to support Indigenous youth and to preserve the language, knowledge and cultural heritage of the Boonwurrung People.
Professor Briggs was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, named NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year, and inducted into Victoria’s Honour Roll of Women.
