Gathering momentum for a Gathering Place

Published on 26 May 2021

Willum Warrain in Hastings is a place where the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community can gather to explore identity and cultural heritage.
 
Our Peninsula is one of the fastest growing Aboriginal areas in Victoria with a 34 per cent increase especially in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under the age of 30.
 
With an increase in population and interest in the site, Willum Warrain has now outgrown its facilities. Future projections show in five years there will be over 10,000 visitors per year and local membership will increase to 3,000 people.
 
The Mornington Peninsula Shire in partnership with Jaffe Consulting Pty Ltd and Peter Wright Architects created a Willum Warrain Conceptual Master Plan to develop a vision of what can be achieved at the Aboriginal Gathering Place.
 
The Plan aims to create an open amphitheatre for large gatherings, artefacts and art display area, a dedicated Elders area, a welcome and yarning area, and a base for cultural tourism. Details in the Plan also include expanding the wetlands to Warringine Park for a wildlife corridor to encourage the movement of animals, a dedicated outdoors men’s-only area to fit a Men’s Shed storage and a carport for the community buses.
 
The development of the community hub at the site will include a café, industrial kitchen, a bush nursery, shop, and a large vegetable garden. Cultural events, tours and On Country experiences will also be a feature of future development.
 
Willum Warrain is the largest employer of Aboriginal people on the Mornington Peninsula is viewed by many as a destination for reconciliation.
 
We want your feedback on the Willum Warrain Master Plan. Our community consultation is open now and closes on Tuesday 22 June 2021.
 
For First Nations People, it’s important to maintain and strengthen their spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands and waters, to uphold their responsibilities to Country, Ancestors, Community, and future generations
 
Have your say

To provide your thoughts on the proposed development of Willum Warrain and to view the Plan, please visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/willumwarrainmasterplan
 
Hard copy forms are also available on request at our Customer Service Centres.
 
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor:

“The Master Plan sets the vision and direction for a renewed Gathering Place. Cultural opportunities will be created which will allow the rekindling of cultural practices and traditional knowledge. This is vital for Willum Warrain as the area grows.”
 
Quotes attributable to Inter Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee member and Seawinds Ward Councillor Kerri McCafferty:
 
“The new design concepts for the Gathering Place will offer amazing opportunities to engage with our First Nations people and culture and support them into the future.”