Accolades come in many forms, and for Jefa Greenaway, there is yet another honour to add to the long list that marks him as a man who makes a difference and helps shape connections to people and place.

At a glittering event this month Greenaway, along with Ian Hamm, was recognised as an outstanding Indigenous leader by Swinburne University of Technology. The University conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate in Design, recognising his contribution to Indigenous-led architecture and design and the integration of cultural narratives into the built environment

For Greenaway, whose dedication to architecture and advocacy is unparalleled, this is another momentous occasion where his voice is heard and his actions applauded. To receive the Honorary Doctorate is indeed much more than an honour, it is an acknowledgment that Greenaway has helped create pathways and connections through his life and work for the betterment of all.

A proud Wailwan and Kamilaroi man, Greenaway is an architect, educator and advocate for Indigenous-led design thinking. The recognition of his pioneering efforts, contributions to his profession and reconciliation cannot be overestimated and he has worked tirelessly to pave the way for others to follow as he leads by example.

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As background, Greenaway was one of the earliest recognised Indigenous architects registered in Victoria, is the founding Director of Greenaway Architects and in 2010 co-founded Indigenous Architecture Victoria (now Indigenous Architecture and Design Australia), the only peak body representing Indigenous built environment practitioners. He was also a co-author of the multi-award winning International Indigenous Design Charter.

Projects of note by Greenaway Architects include, the original fit out and stage two expansion of the Koorie Heritage Trust, which won the Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize in 2024, the urban design for Ngarara Place at RMIT and the recently revealed Garma Institute for the Yothu Yindi Foundation – among many other significant projects.

His work has been exhibited three times at the Venice Biennale and in 2020 he was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame. Greenaway participates on many boards and committees and always brings a focus to Indigenous design that results in richer and more profound projects.

We congratulate Jefa Greenaway and celebrate this significant milestone in his illustrious career. There could be no better recipient for such an honour, as Greenaway is a man who makes a difference, enables connection and engenders respect.

Jefa Greenaway is a member of the INDE.Awards jury this year.

Greenaway Architects
greenawayarchitects.com.au