Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative (Wathaurong) has announced the appointment of Woods Bagot as the successful architects who will lead the proposed $26m Morgan Street redevelopment project.
Founded in the late 1970s and incorporated in 1980 by local Aboriginal community members, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative has grown from
conversations around kitchen tables, to providing health, family and community services to more than 85% of the Aboriginal population in the region.
It’s current premises at 62 Morgan Street, North Geelong, were officially opened on 4 th October 1996.
Since then, the co-operative has grown extensively, with additional premises
being leased at the Federal Mills, North Geelong and Albert Street, Geelong West to cater for the growth in service delivery and staff. The need for a new facility that will serve as a cultural community hub has been highlighted over the past few years as a priority for the Wathaurong Board.
Wathaurong CEO, Simon Flagg, said the redevelopment of the Morgan Street site was well overdue.
“Infrastructure is fundamental to meeting the needs of our community,” he said.
“Our vision is to develop spaces that embrace our cultural connection, bring community and staff together, enhance efficiency and increase accessibility, and
strengthen our identity in the Geelong region.”
The appointment of Woods Bagot as architects for the project will allow Wathaurong to begin the process of engaging the local Aboriginal community to
design a culturally safe and inclusive site.
