Traditional Owner designs to be part of Geelong’s revitalisation

WADAWURRUNG Traditional Owners will be taking a central role in the planning, design and implementation of several projects in Central Geelong.

Last week, Victorian Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas met with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), Geelong MP Christine Couzens and City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan to announce $400,000 of funding through the Geelong City Deal to support Traditional Owners to play a pivotal part in Revitalising Central Geelong (RCG) projects.

The WTOAC will employ a project manager for two years to work within the RCG partnership to enable this important collaboration.

The project manager will take part in the RCG Action Plan projects, helping to deliver the Barwon Regional Partnership priority of embracing and embedding Aboriginal culture throughout the region.

The funding will also enable the WTOAC to start the development of the Wadawurrung Urban Design Guidelines that celebrates Wadawurrung living culture and Wadawurrung cultural values, which will inform the planning, design, and delivery of future built environment projects in central Geelong.

The WTOAC has been working closely with Geelong City Deal partners, particularly with those projects under the RCG commitment.

“With the Geelong City Deal providing over $382 million investment in the region and much of that being on Wadawurrung Country, it’s vital for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to have a seat at the table and be able to play an active role,” WTOAC chief executive officer Paul Davis said.

Ms Thomas said the funding was an exciting opportunity for the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and gave them a strong voice in the design of projects in Geelong’s city centre.

“It places regional Victoria at the forefront of urban design embedding Aboriginal culture.”

Ms Couzens said having Traditional Owners involved in all major projects was more than a matter of respect.

“The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners’ involvement in all City Deal projects will ensure developments respectfully acknowledge culture, which will attract locals and visitors to our city.”

Cr Sullivan said Greater Geelong was on Wadawurrung Country, with history stretching back tens of thousands of years.

“It’s important that we take every opportunity to work with the Traditional Owners to recognise and celebrate this ancient cultural heritage.”

The Geelong City Deal is an agreement between the federal and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and regional economy, encouraging visitors to spend more time in the region by capitalising on its natural assets.

“The Geelong City Deal is transforming our region through meaningful community, event and tourism infrastructure inspired by our diverse natural environment and rich cultural heritage,” Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said.