The A$43.6 million Wathaurong Dreaming Project has entered construction in North Geelong, where demolition and site preparation are under way ahead of main building work.
The three-storey community and healthcare hub will bring services for Aboriginal people in Greater Geelong together at one site. Completion is anticipated in April 2028.
The new building will replace existing facilities with medical, social, administrative and cultural spaces co-designed by Woods Bagot and the Wathaurong community.
Wathaurong community guides hub design
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation providing health and social services in Greater Geelong, appointed Woods Bagot following a competitive tender in 2022.
The cooperative currently serves around 800 community members through healthcare, family violence support, out-of-home care, childcare, homelessness assistance and cultural programmes. Its services reach more than 85% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region.
As demand grew, the cooperative began delivering services from several locations. The redevelopment will consolidate most of its staff and services at Morgan Street.
The design is organised around the traditional yarning circle, with gathering areas connecting its health, cultural and support services.
Indoor-outdoor consulting rooms will give doctors and patients the option of holding appointments inside or outside. The healthcare facilities will include 14 GP consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, three social and emotional wellbeing rooms and a dental procedure room. Dedicated areas are also planned for Koorie maternity services and maternal and child health.
The building will contain offices, family and youth support services, justice-related support facilities, a café and a 300-seat event space.
Design retains Scar Tree and cultural spaces
Existing cultural features have been incorporated into the plans, including a Scar Tree, dance circle and Women’s Tranquillity Garden.
The Scar Tree will remain in its present location and be fenced off during construction. Workers will receive a cultural heritage induction covering the tree and other areas of Aboriginal cultural sensitivity.
According to Woods Bagot, the Wathaurong community has carried out ecological restoration at the former landfill site. The architecture practice says the design responds to the Cowies Creek microclimate and the restored landscape surrounding the property.
The redevelopment covers the cooperative’s site at 60–62 Morgan Street and adjoining land at 43 The Boulevard. The additional land will accommodate parking within a landscaped setting.
Government funding backs A$43.6m development
The project is funded with A$15.6m from the Australian Government, A$15m from the Victorian Government and a A$13m bank loan approved by Wathaurong members in November 2024.
Plan Group was appointed to build the development following a competitive tender in 2025.
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative deputy chief executive Rose De Jong said the plans followed continued growth in both the community and the organisation’s services.
“Our community has been growing, our services and supports have continued to grow, so there’s always been a conversation about where to next,” she said.
Chief executive Simon Flagg said the start of work followed years of advocacy, planning and community consultation. He described the project as a place intended to strengthen culture, support the community and serve future generations.
Images: Courtesy of Woods Bagot
