Hawkesbury City Council is set to begin an exciting transformation of the Hawkesbury Regional Museum's outdoor space this March, with the creation of a permanent Aboriginal Garden. This significant project will provide a place for knowledge-sharing about local endemic plants, food, tools, and medicine, enriching cultural understanding for the community.
Funded by Create NSW and Hawkesbury City Council, the garden has been developed in close consultation with Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury Inc., Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation, and Darug community stakeholders.
Designed as a welcoming gathering place, the Aboriginal Garden will offer immersive learning experiences through events, school education programs, and public access during Museum opening hours.
Leading landscape architectural firm Taylor Brammer, known for its sustainable and culturally responsive designs, has been engaged to bring this vision to life. The garden will feature over 45 species of endemic plants, complemented by sandstone elements, seating areas, and public artwork. Many of the plants are being sourced locally, reinforcing a connection to Country.
A striking public artwork by Darug artist Leanne Mulgo Watson will accompany the garden along the Baker Street boundary. Featuring laser-cut metal panels integrated into the fence, the artwork will depict Darug storytelling elements such as meeting places, birds, and plants—symbolizing the deep connection between sky, land, and people.
Hawkesbury Regional Museum is working closely with Darug knowledge holders to develop a permanent Darug-language name for the garden, which will be announced soon.
Project Timeline and Public Access
Construction is expected to be completed by May 2025, though the garden will remain closed over winter to allow the plants to establish. The official Spring Launch and Museum Open Day is scheduled for September 2025 (date to be confirmed).
