Wathaurong Dreaming Project moves forward as Morgan Street site set for demolition

THE building that became a home for generations of families is preparing to close its doors, with demolition of Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative’s Morgan Street site set to begin later this year.

The long-awaited $43.6 million Wathaurong Dreaming Project has reached a major turning point after the final funding commitment was secured earlier this month, paving the way for construction of a new community-led health and cultural hub in North Geelong.

First unveiled in 2021, the redevelopment will transform the Morgan Street site into a modern, culturally safe space designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through health, family and community services, while also strengthening cultural connection.

The existing Morgan Street building has served the community since 1996 as Wathaurong’s first permanent home.

In early May, the state government confirmed a $15 million investment towards the project, complementing a $15.6 million federal government contribution and the Co-operative’s pre-approved $13 million loan.

With funding now secured, preparations are underway for demolition and construction to begin.

Before works start, the Co-operative will host a Community Farewell event, giving people the opportunity to walk through the building, reflect on its history and share memories of the site that has supported generations of community members.

 

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive Simon Flagg said the Wathaurong Dreaming Project is not about a building but about “creating a place where culture is strengthened, community is supported and future generations can thrive”.

“This building has been home for our community since 1996,” he said. “That’s 30 years of memories.

“Kids have grown up here; there’s a lot of history here. This was an old tip site that nobody wanted – our community turned it into something beautiful and special and it’s important that we acknowledge that history and the people who helped build it, while looking ahead to the future and providing a new space for our Elders of tomorrow.”

Flagg said he was one of the children who grew up around the Co-operative and seeing the project move forward felt deeply personal.

“This has been a dream in our community for a long time,” he said. “This particular design of the rebuild has been in the works for the past six years and to see it finally fully funded and ready to start being built is incredible.

“It’s so difficult for ACCOs [Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations] to get infrastructure funding so this is amazing for self-determination.”

Parliamentary secretary for First Peoples and Geelong MP, Christine Couzens, said the project will ensure Aboriginal communities have access to services that are designed by and for them.

 

“The Wathaurong Dreaming Project is a community-led and designed facility that will bring enormous benefits to Geelong’s northern suburbs,” she said.

“Not only will it deliver vital GP appointments and provide holistic, wrap-around health, family and community services, it will also strengthen the wellbeing of locals right across our community.”

The redevelopment has been designed in consultation with community and in response to their feedback.

Key features include inside-outside consult rooms, cultural spaces, yarning circles and women’s spaces, new healthcare facilities and a conference and hospitality space.

Landscaping and outdoor planning have also focused heavily on caring for Country.

The project was designed by Woods Bagot, with local developer Plan Group awarded the construction tender last year.

The Community Farewell event will be held at Morgan Street on Sunday 24 May from 10am to 2pm.

Demolition of the site is scheduled to begin from 1 July, with construction expected to finish in April 2028.