A new mobile app using geo-locational and augmented reality technology has been developed by QUT to show sites of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout QUT Gardens Point precinct.
The Walking on Country app is a self-guided walking tour that utilises augmented reality and interactive experiences to immerse users in the history and culture of the Turrbal and Yugara people in Meanjin/Magandjin (Brisbane).
Users will be guided to seven points of interest on campus; each representing a range of themes and messages relating to Aboriginal place, people, culture and Country.
The Walking on Country project was initiated by QUT’s Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Australians), and guided by Yugara Traditional Owners, Greg “Uncle Cheg” Egert (Inaugural QUT Elder-in-Resident) and Gaja Kerry Charlton. It also received input from many others including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members.
“Walking on Country aims to raise awareness and create a deeper understanding of the land on which QUT is located,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Australians), Angela Barney-Leitch.
“We came up with the concept of using an app as a modern way to show the QUT community the depth of Aboriginal culture and history here at Gardens Point, and it was further developed by Capstone students working on bringing real world ideas to life.”
The content at each site on the app reflects on both the past and present across social, political, environmental, geographic, and learning themes.
The app was built by QUT in-house digital team VISER (Visualisation and Interactive Solutions for Engagement and Research) and is a Campus to Country initiative – transforming the physical environments of the university to reflect the culture and history of Indigenous Australians.
This follows the recent announcement of the Australian-first Faculty of Indigenous Knowledges and Culture at QUT, which will begin taking students in 2025.
The Walking on Country app is free to download and use, and operates on both Apple and Android devices.
Main image: Sarah Azad, Senior User Experience Designer, test drives the QUT ‘Walking on Country’ app, at the QUT Gardens Point campus.
