Design and Technologies: Investigate the ways in which products, services, and environments evolve locally, regionally, and globally through the creativity, innovation, and enterprise of individuals and groups (ACTDEK029). Analyse how social, ethical, and sustainability considerations influence design and technologies decisions to meet present and future needs (ACTDEK032).
Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework (DETWA): Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as sustainable timber use with jarrah and mulga, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental stewardship.
Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore traditional timber use practices to understand sustainable and culturally appropriate design solutions.
Sustainable timber is a key material in community design, offering eco-friendly solutions for shared spaces. Eco-friendly refers to products that minimise environmental harm. Aboriginal communities in Western Australia have long used timber like jarrah, a hardwood known for its strength, to build communal structures such as shelters and tools. This practice reflects stewardship, the responsible management of resources, ensuring forests remain viable for future generations. Community design using sustainable timber fosters social cohesion, the sense of unity within a group.
In modern community projects, sustainable timber like mulga, a durable wood used by Aboriginal peoples, creates playgrounds and meeting spaces. Mulga is valued for its resilience and cultural significance, embedding Indigenous heritage in design. Ethical sourcing, the process of obtaining materials responsibly, supports local economies by prioritising sustainable forestry. These spaces strengthen community identity and promote inclusivity. Designers integrate Aboriginal knowledge to ensure culturally relevant outcomes.
Sustainable timber reduces environmental impact through practices like reforestation, the replanting of trees to restore forests. Aboriginal stewardship inspires modern selective logging, a method that harvests trees sparingly to protect biodiversity, the variety of life in an ecosystem. Certified timber, such as that approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensures ethical practices. These efforts support climate goals and create functional, culturally rich community spaces.
Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice: