With Woods Bagot as architects, the project will allow Wathaurong to begin the process of engaging the local Aboriginal community to design a culturally safe and inclusive site.
With a primary purpose to provide holistic and culturally secure service responses to meet the specific needs of the Aboriginal community, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative (Wathaurong) is due to undergo a $26M redevelopment for their current premise at Morgan Street in North Geelong.
Following a highly competitive tender process, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative has today announced the highly-anticipated appointment of Woods Bagot as the successful architects who will lead the proposed Morgan Street redevelopment project. The global architecture studio spans 17 studios across 6 regions and is renowned for placing human experience at the centre of their design process in order to deliver engaging, future-oriented projects that respond to the way people actually use space.
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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.
Its current premises at 62 Morgan Street, North Geelong, were officially opened on 4th 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 that the redevelopment of the Morgan Street site was well overdue.
“Infrastructure is fundamental to meeting the needs of our community. 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,” said Mr. Flagg.
A group photo in front of the existing Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative building – from left to right: Bronwyn McColl (Principal, Woods Bagot), Rose De Jong (Infrastructure Manager, Wathaurong), Simon Flagg (CEO, Wathaurong), Jasmine Kerdel (Graduate, Woods Bagot), Tahlia Landrigan (Interior Designer, Woods Bagot)
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.
“We are thrilled to have Woods Bagot on board – they have a proven track record in delivering beautiful, functional and culturally appropriate designs.”
Woods Bagot Principal, Bronwyn McColl, shared Mr. Flagg’s enthusiasm for collaborating, noting the importance of connecting with the local Wathaurong community to create a cultural hub.
“We’re incredibly excited to begin our long and deep conversation with the Wathaurong community, to learn and bring their vision for the Co-operative to life, embedding genuine Aboriginal influence and agency into this design process,” said Ms. McColl.
“The aspirations of the Wathaurong community are the very foundation of the design process. We can’t wait to begin the discussions that will unearth this vision.
“Alongside enhancing the Co-operative’s usability, we are dedicated to creating a place that brings the community together through sincere social and cultural connectedness. It will be a new landmark for the Wathaurong identity in the Geelong region.”
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