By Laura Michell
Community spaces, a library and specialist learning areas at Thomastown’s Bubup Wilam centre will be upgraded after the early learning centre received more than $100,000 from the state government.
The Main Street centre is part of a nationwide network of Aboriginal and Child Family Centres established to support Aboriginal children and families.
The $109,350 will go towards upgrading community spaces, training rooms, the library and the dining room. The funding is part of the government’s $14.6 million Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins said centre’s such as Bubup Wilam were fundamental to the community.
“This funding boost will help Bubup Wilam continue the great work it does in delivering important front line services for Aboriginal communities,” she said.
“Through the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program we’re helping organisations to grow and flourish, and with it, improve the cultural connection and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians.”
Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said the centre was making a difference to the local Aboriginal community.
“The centre certainly deserves these funds to upgrade the centre and make it more suitable to their needs,” she said.
