Stockland and the Wurrundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC) have signed a landmark partnership agreement at Cloverton in Kalkallo, marking the first of its kind in Victoria for both organisations.
The latest agreement builds on more than a decade of collaboration at Cloverton, one of Melbourne’s largest master planned communities, and will work to further embed Wurundjeri culture, stories and heritage into the area.
Under the new partnership, plans have been included to deliver joint projects and activities in Cloverton which celebrate Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural heritage, knowledge, values, languages, arts, and traditional practices, while also supporting self-determination, inclusion, and long-term social, environmental, and economic outcomes.
The signing was held at Cloverton’s newest park, a 1.81 hectare community space co-designed with WWCHAC.
The park has incorporated River Red Gums believed to be over 500 years old, along with a stony knoll preserved during construction, with artistic elements paying tribute to the shortfin eel as a symbol of knowledge-sharing, as well as a native Merri Creek species in the growling grass frog.
The official opening featured a smoking ceremony and welcome to country, followed by the joint signing of the agreement.
Local students planted Manna Gums in a symbolic act of growth and renewal, while Wurundjeri singer Claire Garvey performed to mark the occasion.
Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Tony said the partnership was a recognition of years of work by Elders to ensure Wurundjeri voices are included in major projects.
“This partnership represents a great opportunity for Wurundjeri,” he said.
“To be able to stand here today to celebrate the formal signing of a partnership agreement with Stockland is a recognition of these efforts and an exciting omen for the future.”
Stockland CEO Development Andrew Whitson said the agreement reflects a commitment to respectful collaboration.
“We are committed to continuing to listen and ensuring the voices of Wurundjeri Elders and people inform our work at Cloverton,” he said.
