A name to bring us together

THE civic hall at Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC) has a new name that aptly reflects its purpose: bringing together our community in times of celebration.

The name, Dhilpamarna, is a Wadawurrung word meaning “to clap your hands”, and I’m sure I join many in my community in a round of applause for this decision.

The City of Greater Geelong, together with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative and the Community Liaison Reference Group, officially unveiled the name at a ceremony on Friday 29 May.

I am proud that the local Community Liaison Reference Group that was established to advise the council on this major project in our northern suburbs stated that the hall should have an Indigenous name to reflect the 60,000 years stewardship of the land this magnificent facility operates on, and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corperation have given us a beautiful name in Dhilpamarna.

We’ve created a lasting tribute to language and culture and were able to mark this important occasion together during National Reconciliation Week.

Pronounced “Dill-pah-mar-nah”, the name captures the auditorium’s spirit as a place of performance, gathering, culture and connection, building on the strong legacy of the original Shire of Corio Centenary Hall on the same site, while also recognising the deeper history of the site and the importance of continuing to listen, learn and walk alongside Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

To have the city’s best indoor community events space located in Norlane is a major statement that the northern suburbs of Geelong matter, and that this is a welcoming location for all.

Norlane ARC opened in February 2024 and marks the largest infrastructure project delivered by the city outside of central Geelong.

The aquatic centre comprises a lap pool, waterplay area and waterslides, as well as a warm water pool, spa and steam room for rehabilitation and relaxation.

The mezzanine level gym overlooks the aquatic area and offers group exercise classes and reformer pilates.

The 1,000sqm Dhilpamarna Auditorium has one of Geelong’s largest and most accessible community stages, capacity for up to 730 seated guests or 472 people seated banquet style, two green rooms, a commercial kitchen and bar space appropriate for a large range of event opportunities.

It has one of Geelong’s largest free car parking areas, and the stage boasts professional lighting and sound systems as well as a projection screens.

Amazingly, more than 100,000 visitors have enjoyed the auditorium for concerts, weddings, ceremonies, multicultural events and community forums since its opening.

I have had the pleasure of attending a wide range of community events at the auditorium, both in my free time and in my capacity as a councillor, and it’s always wonderful to see our community coming together at Dhilpamarna Auditorium.

Norlane ARC sits upon the site of the former Centenary Hall. The site has long been a place for community gathering, and this new chapter creates an opportunity to honour both its recent history and the much longer history of Wadawurrung custodianship.

Today, the city hosts a range of celebrations within the auditorium, including our Community Grants Celebration Night, the Geelong Youth Awards and Employee Excellence Awards.

This year, the auditorium has welcomed community groups from across the region to celebrate the Easter Fun Festival, Karenni National Day and Eid-ul-Fitr & Nawroz Festival, among many more.

Nothing brings me more joy than seeing our community gathered together in celebration, and I look forward to seeing this legacy continue at the Dhilpamarna Auditorium for years to come.

As we move forward, this space will symbolise our commitment to listening, learning, and walking together with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. Let’s all clap our hands together.

Cr Anthony Aitken

Corio ward,

City of Greater Geelong