Microsoft’s inclusive Kemps Creek site
Building for the future, while respecting history and past and present practices, requires profound collaboration. In a joint project with Traditional Owners, the Dharug people, Microsoft Australia developed an inclusive artwork design for the new Kemps Creek data centre in Western Sydney. Indigital, a First Nations owned profit-for-purpose organisation connecting critical infrastructure with First Nations Country and Culture, led the collaboration.
Connecting past and future
Cabrogal woman Mikaela Jade, Founder and CEO of Indigital, facilitated weekly constructive and collaborative meetings, which incorporated traditional First Nations practices and their role in future development, over an eight-month period. The project marked the first time that the Cabrogal Clan and wider Dharug Nation had met on Country in more than 100 years.
“The methods we used to connect our culture to Microsoft’s planned data centre site were as old as time,” said Jade.
A Land Acknowledgement was one of many activities connecting local First Nations culture with the data centre build.
“We came together on Country, spoke to ancestral beings, imagined what Country was like before colonisation, and imagined colour schemes, stories and relationships. We brought that forward to the present and explored how traditional owners and custodians interpret Country now and imagined what this site will be like in 40 years’ time,” continues Jade.
Using AI to interpret and visualise culture
Using traditional practices and imagery, Indigital trained an AI algorithm to understand interpretations of the Dharug Nation’s resilience and create culturally recognised patterns for the exterior of the site.
Dharug woman, Traditional Custodian and Knowledge Holder, Julie Bukari Webb, said the project ensured First Nations ways, traditions and perspectives don’t get lost in new builds of critical infrastructure.
“I’m really proud of how we’ve come together in love and unity to create a lot of joy and understanding,” Julie said.
A commitment to community and culture
Recognising First Nations land rights, ensuring cultural sensitivity and respect, and providing economic opportunity for Indigenous Australian people have been key considerations for Microsoft during the data centre project. As well as fuelling job growth in Western Sydney, the project will also extend the Indigital Schools Program. This collaborative program brings teachers and Elders together to teach First Nations cultural knowledge, history and language, and digital skills to the next generation. The program is running in 20 schools across Western Sydney and reaching more than 500 students.
Steven Worrall, Managing Director at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said: “We have a strong commitment to deep learning in First Nations ways of being, knowing and doing. In the spirit of collaborating and listening, Microsoft is proud to work with Indigital and Dharug Nation Traditional Custodians to reflect First Nations connection to Country at our Kemps Creek data centre.”