MEMBERS STATEMENT: WUNGGURRWIL DHURRUNG CENTRE

Previous DocumentMrNext Document PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:40:28): I rise today to acknowledge the official opening of the new $13.24 million Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre in my electorate of Werribee. The official opening of the centre was a very special event, with a smoking ceremony and spiritual blessing by our Wadawurrung peoples. I congratulate the local Aboriginal community and the Wyndham City Council on the completion of this extraordinary centre, and I am proud that the Andrews Labor government’s $3 million contribution towards it has played a substantial part in its realisation. The state’s combined funding comes from our Growing Suburbs Fund, the Children’s Facilities Capital Program and the Men’s Shed program. I am proud that our contribution will make a difference to Wyndham’s Aboriginal community by providing an inclusive and safe space for community development and cultural enrichment. The centre will also help educate others about the values and rich history of our First Peoples. Cross-cultural education is crucial for a growing community such as Wyndham. The Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre, with its many early learning rooms and gathering spaces, will undoubtedly facilitate this environment for local children and families. The centre will be a very special place, as Wunggurrwil Dhurrung means ‘strong heart’ in the Wadawurrung language. This is a fitting name for the centre where people can come together for events, for healing and for support. It will provide a strong heart for our diverse community to gather in Wyndham for years to come. I congratulate everybody involved with the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre on its opening and I wish them all the best for its future.