A landmark project in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley has been awarded the highest honours at this year’s Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards. The Munarra Centre of Regional Excellence in Shepparton, designed by ARM Architecture and delivered by TVN On-Country, was named both Overall Winner and Commercial & Industrial Design Winner for 2025.

A Building that Embodies Country

Grounded in Yorta Yorta culture and self-determination, Munarra’s design speaks directly to Country. Its sweeping roof, inspired by the forms of a shell and shield, anchors the building while extending an open welcome to the community. The judging panel noted: “This is a building that carries cultural meaning in every detail. Its form, material choices and purpose are all connected to Country and community.”

A Centre for Learning, Culture and Connection

The Munarra Centre brings together spaces for education, gathering and performance. Teaching areas, yarning circles, Elder facilities, performance zones and a café sit alongside Indigenous planting and large-scale artworks created with Yorta Yorta Elders and artists. Delivered by TVN On-Country, a majority Indigenous-owned contractor, the project also represents a model for collaborative construction that builds skills and opportunities locally.

Steel that Strengthens Design Intent

Durability and performance were critical in bringing Munarra to life, and LYSAGHT® building products played a central role. The design incorporates:

• CUSTOM ORB®: Chosen for its enduring corrugated form.
• KLIP-LOK®: Providing watertight performance and strength across large roof spans.
• ENSEAM®: Giving the facade strong vertical lines that add rhythm and scale.

The judging panel observed: “The use of three different LYSAGHT® profiles shows how steel can support both cultural expression and functional performance in a project of this scale.”

Celebrated with Dual Awards

The Munarra Centre Shepparton was recognised in two categories at the 2025 Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards:

• Overall Winner – the highest honour of the program, awarded to the project that best demonstrates design excellence and innovative use of LYSAGHT® steel.
• Commercial & Industrial Design Winner – recognising outstanding non-residential projects that deliver strong architectural outcomes and lasting community value.

As Overall Winner, ARM Architecture will receive $5,000 prize money and two tickets to the World Architecture Festival in Miami, 2025. The project was also awarded Commercial & Industrial Design Winner, which carries an additional $5,000 prize.
 

The judging panel concluded: “Munarra demonstrates how community-focused projects can be ambitious, durable and meaningful. It sets a new standard for cultural and educational buildings across Australia.”
 

A Legacy for Generations

The Munarra Centre, Shepparton is a place built with purpose: to teach, to connect and to celebrate culture. It stands as an example of what can be achieved when architectural excellence and community leadership come together.
 

Through the Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards, Lysaght proudly recognises projects like the Munarra Centre, Shepparton that strengthen communities and contribute lasting value to Australian architecture.