PROJECT BACKGROUND

As a first-of-its-kind education and cultural facility, Munarra fosters pathways for Indigenous youth while integrating strong ties to cultural identity. The project extends beyond its functional purpose, creating opportunities for the Goulburn Murray region, including twelve new jobs through Indigenous-owned TVN On-Country.

“MCRE is the largest construction contract ever awarded by the Victorian Government to a First Nations company. We had a lot to prove, and we were determined to deliver.” – TVN On-Country

Architecturally, the design needed to balance aesthetics, performance, and cultural representation. The building’s curved, asymmetrical form, inspired by Yorta Yorta totems, introduced complex construction challenges, particularly in the roofing and façade elements.

The landscaping, designed by Bush Projects, reinforces these themes, with forms representing emu eggs and artwork from local Yorta Yorta artists featured throughout the façade.

LYSAGHT® SOLUTION

To meet these design and performance requirements, the project team selected LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK 700 HI-STRENGTH® for the roofing and LYSAGHT ENSEAM® for the walling.

• LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK 700 HI-STRENGTH® provided the perfect solution for the expansive roof, delivering superior weather resistance and structural integrity. The concealed-fix profile eliminated the need for exposed fasteners, ensuring a clean, uninterrupted aesthetic that aligned with the building’s modern design.
• LYSAGHT ENSEAM® Walling was chosen for its sleek, vertical profile, which enhances the building’s striking form while offering excellent durability in Shepparton’s inland climate.

TVN On-Country worked closely with Lysaght to ensure precise material specifications and installation solutions, given the complexity of the structure.

“The unique shape of the building, the curved arches, and external façade proved to be very challenging. The LYSAGHT® products played a critical role in achieving the final result.” – TVN On-Country

PROJECT EXECUTION 

Bringing this vision to life required careful coordination between TVN On-Country, ARM Architecture, KW Roofing, and other stakeholders.

Lysaght provided technical expertise, offering detailed product insights and installation support to KW Roofing. Given the intricate façade geometry and hidden gutter systems, achieving a seamless finish required both precision engineering and on-site problem-solving.

The building envelope’s bold colour contrast played a vital role in reinforcing the cultural narrative of the space:

• The roof is split into two halves—one black, one red—symbolising the Aboriginal flag.
• The LYSAGHT ENSEAM® walling continues this theme, with one side clad in black and the other in red.
• A central open courtyard, clad in perforated gold panels, represents the sun, completing the flag’s visual representation.

Waterproofing the complex junctions between steel cladding, glazing, and perforated panels required extensive on-site workshops, prototype testing, and NATA-accredited waterproofing trials.

“This façade was so detailed and unique that we had to take a step back and bring everyone together for on-site design workshops. There was no other way to resolve the intricate waterproofing and transition details.” – TVN On-Country

OUTCOMES 

The completed Munarra Centre stands as a powerful representation of First Nations leadership in education and community development. The integration of LYSAGHT® steel solutions has ensured:

• Aesthetic Integrity: The clean lines of LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® roofing and ENSEAM® walling deliver a striking, contemporary finish that enhances the architectural form.
• Long-Term Durability: Designed for regional Victoria’s environmental conditions, the chosen steel products offer resilience against temperature fluctuations and weather exposure.
• Low Maintenance Performance: The concealed-fix system of LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® minimises maintenance requirements, preserving the pristine aesthetic for years to come.
• Cultural Expression: The use of colour and materiality reinforces the project’s connection to the Yorta Yorta community and broader Indigenous culture.

“Munarra is a place of immense significance, and it was critical that every aspect of the design supported its cultural and educational purpose. LYSAGHT®’s expertise and high-quality steel solutions have helped us achieve a space that is as durable as it is meaningful.” — Alex Kennedy, Infrastructure Lead, First Peoples – State Relations Group, Department of Premier & Cabinet.

Beyond its architectural and structural achievements, Munarra also set new benchmarks for social impact in construction, exceeding all Victorian Government social procurement targets:

• 10.8% of project expenditure went to Victorian Aboriginal businesses (target: 1.5%)
• 32.9% of project staff were First Nations people (target: 15%)
• $12.5m spent on local trades, accommodation, and regional businesses
• 27,267 labour hours completed by disadvantaged Victorians

This collaborative approach ensured both economic and cultural benefits extended beyond the project itself.

“The Munarra Centre is not just a building—it is a vision for a better future. It sets a new standard for First Nations-led education in Australia.” – TVN On-Country

LEARNINGS

The Munarra Centre demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and expert collaboration can result in a project that is not only functional but deeply meaningful. Key takeaways from this project include:

• The importance of material longevity in culturally significant projects: LYSAGHT® products provided a durable, low-maintenance solution that will serve the community for generations.
• How architectural steel can contribute to storytelling: The interplay of profile, colour, and form plays a pivotal role in reinforcing cultural identity.
• Collaboration as a driver of success: Close engagement between the builder, architect, installer, and supplier ensured a seamless project delivery.

CONCLUSION:

The Munarra Centre of Regional Excellence is more than just a building—it is a place of learning, growth, and cultural pride. LYSAGHT® is proud to have contributed to this pioneering project, providing steel solutions that align with the project’s vision of strength, sustainability, and Indigenous leadership.

As a trusted partner in architectural innovation, Lysaght continues to support projects that shape the future of Australian communities.

TVN On-Country Team Photo by Eleisha Collins of EM Photography