Michaela Meade
The first Aboriginal Gathering Place (AGP) in northern metropolitan Melbourne will be built in South Morang.
At a council meeting last week, Whittlesea council decided the AGP would be built at Quarry Hills Regional Parkland, with a full business case to be presented to council by March, 2022.
Administrator Peita Duncan said the gathering place would “invite” Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to enjoy a sense of belonging while accessing activities, programs and services that strengthen culture and enhance wellbeing.
“I think it’s safe to say that the gathering place will be a welcoming, inclusive and culturally safe space with strong emphasis on self determination and environmental sustainability, and not just for our Aboriginal community but for all,” Ms Duncan said.
“[The AGP can be] part of that healing process of bringing the broader community into the gathering place to understand the rich Aboriginal culture of our country, but also within Whittlesea.”
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said it was “symbolic” for the AGP to be discussed during NAIDOC Week, “given the history” of the gathering place.
“It’s been a long time coming, because there’s been advocacy and considerable work over 20 years to get to the point that we are now,” she said.
“The gathering place is really a place for Aboriginal people, but equally, it’ll be a place for non-Aboriginal people to enjoy, to learn more about the experience and engage with Aboriginal culture and history.”
The AGP will be developed in partnership with local Aboriginal communities, the council’s Aboriginal Gathering Place Advisory Group, and the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group.
