Centre embraces Indigenous identity

Shannon Burke, Tony McCartney, Lydia Wilson, Lisa Thorpe, Chris Eddy, Wurundjeri Elder Andrew Gardiner, Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams, and Northern Metropolitan Member Sheena Watt. (Supplied)

Michaela Meade

The Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Thomastown has undergone a major redevelopment.

Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams visited the centre earlier this month for its official reopening.

The upgrades include the extension of the multipurpose meeting room, the construction of an indoor library, increased audiovisual and training capability, a sandpit and shade extension, and new outdoor heating and blinds.

Ms Wilson said the much-anticipated redevelopment has created accessible and culturally appropriate community spaces for Aboriginal students, families and the community.

“We’re so proud to support an early education program that inspires children to embrace their Aboriginal identity and fosters an environment that strengthens the connection to community and culture,” Ms Wilson said.

“The upgrade of the centre reflects council’s commitment to supporting the city’s large Aboriginal population to access an integrated range of early childhood education and wellbeing services.”

The upgrade also includes the construction of Bunjil’s Nest, a culturally significant external meeting space in the forecourt of the centre.

Details: bubupwilam.org.au