The Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation has a home for the first time in its four year history. Josh Bull, MP for Sunbury has opened the new community space at 33 Macedon Street which has been made possible by funding from the Victorian Government’s Korin Korin Balit Djak funding round. A welcome to country and smoking ceremony was carried out by Kellie Hunter and an energetic group from the Indigenous Outreach Projects had everyone up and dancing.
Working with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health the Corporation aims to create and maintain a strong and healthy Aboriginal community through connecting to culture and building appropriate pathways into health, wellbeing and community services. As well as funding the renovation works the grant has enabled the employment of an Aboriginal Engagement Worker who works with within the community and with staff to ensure the best outcomes for local indigenous people.
“It is really important that we have a visible presence in Sunbury,” says Desiree Johnson. “This new space will enable us to connect with local aboriginal people and ensure that they get the specific support that they need whether it be to do with their physical and mental health, their education or housing needs.”
There are plans for the new space to be open three days a week, with the times and days to be confirmed. The Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation has seen a steady increase in its membership since it was formed and there are plans to increase the cultural activities and events held in the space and in the Sunbury area more broadly.
The Corporation can be contacted via email sunburyaboriginalcorporation@gmail.com or by calling 9744 9564.