Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Ministers statements: Dja Dja Wurrung corporate and community centre

Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (11:45): I had a great day on Friday in Bendigo to mark the return of land to the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. With the freehold title handed over, work can begin on building the Dja Dja Wurrung corporate and community centre. I certainly want to congratulate Trent Nelson, chairperson, and Rodney Carter, chief executive officer, of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, other community leaders and everyone involved in realising the vision for a cultural centre on their country. The Dja Dja Wurrung people are proud traditional owners of the Bendigo region and have fought for years for land justice and healing whilst also generously sharing their culture with the community. The centre represents further progress on this journey, and it was an absolute honour—actually a very emotional honour—to be part of such a significant day.

The site of the former Golden Square High School was chosen by the Dja Dja Wurrung people, and the centre is being designed in collaboration with community. The centre will provide a permanent built-for-purpose home for the corporate and business operations of the organisation, and it will promote business development and joint venture opportunities. For the wider community in Bendigo, the centre will also serve as a space for arts and cultural events, and locals will be encouraged to make use of the oval and basketball court. Importantly the centre will provide invaluable opportunities for learning and interaction and to honour the survival, growth and culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. The development will also help boost employment and economic development for the Bendigo community through construction and for many years to come. It was a fantastic day and something I am very proud of, and I cannot wait to continue to support the work of the Dja Dja Wurrung and continue to go back and visit Bendigo, particularly when the centre is built.