The first sod was turned on the Aboriginal Gathering Place at Quarry Hills Parkland on Tuesday.
Whittlesea council administrators Lydia Wilson, Peita Duncan, and Christian Zahra were joined by leaders of the local Aboriginal community at a ceremony to mark the occasion.
The Aboriginal Gathering Place is a key part of the council’s commitment to reconciliation and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Establishing a place to promote cultural practices and knowledge-sharing has been a policy priority for Council, the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (WRG) and Whittlesea Aboriginal Gathering Place Advisory Group for many years.
Administrator Duncan, who is a member of the WRG, said the Council was committed to reconciliation and creating opportunities for improved cultural, health, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal residents.
“The Aboriginal Gathering Place will have enormous benefits for the local Aboriginal community,” she said.
“It will be a culturally safe space where Elders can connect not only with each other, but with younger generations and the community at large.
“It will strengthen Aboriginal culture through connection to Country and empower Aboriginal residents by fostering a greater understanding of traditions and customs.”
The Aboriginal Gathering Place will feature indoor and outdoor multi-purpose spaces including consulting suites, meeting room, quiet room and a large community events space for up to 100 people.
Construction at the Quarry Hills Parkland site is anticipated to begin in early-to-mid 2024, with the centre expected to open in 2025.
