Celebrating buriburi
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The Randwick Campus Redevelopment has worked with the Gujaga Foundation to acknowledge the spiritual, physical and cultural connection to country held by the local La Perouse Aboriginal community.

To recognise the significance of connection to place, artwork of Buriburi - a local totem or spirit ancestor to the Aboriginal people of coastal Sydney is now prominently displayed on the project’s construction site.

The artwork, prepared by La Perouse Aboriginal artist Jordan Ardler, features on the construction jump form, the working platform for constructing the main lift core, that will be raised 50 meters over the construction site.

Buriburi, the humpback whale, has special significance to the local Aboriginal people of the area. “In our dreaming, Buriburi (humpback whale) and his ancestors were responsible for making all of the islands from Sydney Harbour to the Shoalhaven River. He remains a significant spirit ancestor for our people.” says Raymond Ingrey Chairman of the Gujaga Foundation.

Numerous stone carved symbols of Buriburi can be found dotted along walking trails of Sydney’s south eastern coastline. This stone carved artwork tells stories of local totems and showcases the rich Aboriginal cultural history of the area.
 
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 Artist profile – Jordan Ardler

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Buriburi artwork design prepared by local Aboriginal artist Jordan Ardler

Jordan Ardler is an Aboriginal artist from La Perouse. Since 2011 Jordan has been a freelance graphic designer working with a variety of Sydney-based small businesses, foundations, councils and other organisations. Jordan completed her Bachelor of Design at UNSW Art and Design. During her time at UNSW, Jordan was recognised for her ongoing volunteer work within the Indigenous student community. Jordan also plays a key role in supporting local youth through her work at the La Perouse Youth Haven. Her Buriburi artwork design acknowledges the local La Perouse region and incorporates elements symbolic to the eastern coastline.