The Epping Animal Welfare Facility has a new name, wat djerring Animal Facility.
Wat djerring means ‘we together.’
The name was chosen after consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to reinforce the connection with the animals and the important role the facility plays in reuniting pets with their owners and finding them new homes.
Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the new name represented a new era for the facility.
“The facility operates as the pound for three councils (Whittlesea, Merri-Bek and Darebin councils), and we wanted a more inclusive name that acknowledged the cultural heritage of the land on which the facility is located and reflected the purpose of the facility, to reconnect people with their pets and to give animals a fresh start,” she said.
“The new name, pronounced ‘wot jerring’, really captures the strong values our community places on pet ownership.
“While the name has changed, the great service provided to our pets at the facility has not.”
The new name is complemented by a new visual brand designed by Aboriginal artist De Greer-Yindimincarlie at YindiArtz that represents how an animal, despite the challenges of its journey can flourish and thrive with love and care.
Harper Sercombe
