THE Giidany Miirlarl Education Space at the base of Muttonbird Island has secured another major gong.

It has won the 2012 Premier’s Prize which recognises an architect or project that has contributed to the advancement of architecture in our state.

The project is the work of locally based Fisher Design + Architecture in association with Sydney firm Mackenzie Pronk Architects.

After being short-listed as one of the three finalists by NSW Gov- ernment Architect Peter Poulet, Giidany Miirlarl picked up the biggest number of votes via an online poll.

At the presentation, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard said Giidany Miirlarl celebrated local Aboriginal culture and history and represented a healing of the scars from when Muttonbird Island was joined to the mainland in 1924.

“Importantly, the awarding of this project demonstrates our support for all regional communities and in particular Aboriginal communities across NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This modestly scaled building project has made a significant social contribution and has been a truly collaborative effort bringing the community together to tell the story of the island. I commend it as a worthy recipient of the 2012 Premier’s Prize – as selected by the people of NSW.”

Trevor Veale, Coffs Coast Advocate | 04/07/2012