First published 15 October 2024
The inaugural recipient of a QUT scholarship designed to strengthen First Nations representation in the built environment hopes he can be an inspiration for other young Indigenous students.
Jerome Wu, who grew up in Townsville (Bindal and Wulgurukaba country), is excited by the opportunity to build something special, literally, through the Blaklash Built Environment Scholarship.
“I want to take what it means to be Indigenous into a future career as an interior designer – hopefully, I can be a catalyst for other young Indigenous students interested in studying built environment,” he said.
“I have always had a keen interest for design but the interest to learn about interior design came at both an opportune moment and through wanting to try something new … it was about taking a leap, trying something different.”
Empowered by QUT alumni and Blaklash managing director Troy Casey, the scholarship has been created to encourage Indigenous Australian students to connect their experiences and study with First Nations stories and culture.
Blaklash’s collaborative design is showcased at high-profile community projects and public art installations across the state – including at QUT, within the Oodgeroo and Carumba Units plus at the new Yandiwanba lunar test facility at Kelvin Grove.
A second-year Bachelor of Design student and president of QUT’s GR-ID (Interior Architecture) Society, Jerome looks forward to the opportunity to learn from Blaklash, seeing how the team works with communities to design with country in mind through a range of built environment projects.
“Troy and the team at Blaklash are a deadly crew who I admire for their impact on country-led design.
“Their projects address a necessary position of making heard and putting forward the spirit of Country into our everyday experiences. I hope to learn and understand the same sensitives and awarenesses they carry through their projects as a young First Nations designer.
“Whether it be public art, architecture, urban planning … not only understanding how that (consultancy) process works but engaging with communities in a meaningful and considered way to reach a great outcome and create something that has a good impact.”
Long term, Jerome said he wanted to have leave a footprint on communities closer to home in Queensland’s far north.
“It would be nice to work on projects that impact smaller communities and to feel that even through something may only be small, it can have a large impact for people.”
Through increasing participation of First Nations students in built environment disciplines, Troy Casey hopes the Blaklash partnership with QUT will lead to a greater representation of Indigenous perspectives in design, “ultimately creating a legacy where future generations can see themselves reflected in their surroundings”.
“We also hope that this scholarship provides recipients with a sense of belonging and connection to their cultural heritage while empowering them with the tools they need for success."
A QUT alumnus (Bachelor of Journalism), Troy is a leading national figure in the promotion of Indigenous culture and perspectives in creative industry. He said working with QUT to create pathways for success was “a meaningful step towards fostering future leaders".
"Partnering with QUT for this scholarship felt like a natural alignment with our shared vision to empower Indigenous communities and provide opportunities for First Nations people in the built environment.
“The scholarship aims to address the under-representation of Indigenous voices in architecture, urban planning and related fields.”
Troy said Jerome had already proven an inspiring example of what could be achieved when opportunities were made accessible.
“Blaklash is committed to supporting him by connecting him with mentors in the industry and providing resources to help him navigate his studies.
“Moving forward, we’ll continue to work with him to ensure he has the tools, guidance and cultural support needed to thrive both academically and professionally in the built environment field."
The Blaklash Built Environment Scholarship will support three Indigenous Australian students over the next three years. It aligns with the QUT Blueprint’s vision to provide transformative education and research relevant to our communities, along with its priority in Indigenous Australian engagement, success and empowerment
Main image: Jerome Wu with Tahlia Steadman (Blaklash principal) and Troy Casey.
