Currently completing a PHD in Architecture and Urban Design, Generative Design Practice Research through RMIT, Sophia’s interest lies in preserving and protecting culture and heritage with particular reference to the management of and repatriation of Barkandji cultural objects and places.
The Regenerative landscape approaches through Country on a station in south-west New South Wales, Traditional Owners and landscape architects are working together to explore ways to restore the degraded landscape, and to re-engage with the cultural and ecological significance of the site. Sophia is one of those contributors.
In 2022, an event at Mt Dispersion, near Euston, NSW is the location of the 1836 massacre of Aboriginal Australians, the Culpra Station Landcare Group conducted this event and included attendees from Melbourne University, local schools, Councillors and community.
"The area is now officially recognised as a place where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people are able to come together in recognition of not just that tragic event, but the vast cultural significance of over 100,000 years of Aboriginal culture and stories, still being shared today."
Sophia was a key organiser as Secretary of the group.
A local project that Sophia has been involved with for many years is the Gol Gol Public School Immersion Centre where students learning about cultural and environmental education. Indigenous flora includes names such as “Kamuru” being River Red Gum and Malka, the Mulga and Kaanpi, known as Pigface children receive, these are some of the twelve indigenous plants that can be found on the school environment block.
Sophia shared her reflection of a Barkandji word: Puurinya - it means the spirit lingers, alive, living, the spirit continues on.