The Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place
Association Committee of Management was established on 19th August, 2002 following the disbandment
of the Wurreka Parruk Kuli Association and was formally incorporated on 20th November, 2002. The
Honourable Gavin Jennings, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, officially launched The Gathering Place
on 22nd October, 2003.
With no existing services in the Western Region to cater for the *3,329 indigenous residents the aim of The Gathering Place is to provide services and programs to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community residing within the catchment areas of Maribyrnong, Hobson's Bay and the Shire of Melton, Brimbank, Wyndham and Moonee Valley.
The Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place Association consists of six local Indigenous representatives on the Committee of Management.
There are no Indigenous organisations established in the western suburbs and The Gathering Place is a significant and positive step forward in enhancing the Indigenous needs in the western suburbs.
*2001 census
Gathering Place Logo and Meaning
With no existing services in the Western Region to cater for the *3,329 indigenous residents the aim of The Gathering Place is to provide services and programs to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community residing within the catchment areas of Maribyrnong, Hobson's Bay and the Shire of Melton, Brimbank, Wyndham and Moonee Valley.
The Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place Association consists of six local Indigenous representatives on the Committee of Management.
There are no Indigenous organisations established in the western suburbs and The Gathering Place is a significant and positive step forward in enhancing the Indigenous needs in the western suburbs.
*2001 census
Gathering Place Logo and Meaning
This artwork was proudly completed by local Indigenous artists Annette Sax and Paola Morabito-Tang.
This is the artwork story, as told by Paola:
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The yellow cross-latching central to the image acknowledges and respects
the Wurrundjeri people, the traditional owners of the land on which the Gathering Place stands.
The bright blue represents the sky under which we gather, representing a new beginning. The different animal tracks symbolises the diversity of Indigenous groups throughout the Western Region. The figures linked together in the centre shows our people supporting, respecting and celebrating each other. The waterways acknowledge the importance of the life they sustained and continue to. The surrounding campfires represent the contribution of meeting through the Gathering Place. |
What do our flags represent?
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Black represents the Aboriginal people of Australia
Red represents the red earth, the red ochre used in ceremonies and Aboriginal people's spiritual relation to the land Yellow disc represents the Sun, the giver of life and protector |
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Green represents the land
Blue represents the sea White represents peace Black represents the Indigenous peoples The "dhari" represents Torres Strait Islander people and the five-pointed star represents the five island groups within the Torres Strait. The star is also a symbol for seafaring people as it is used in navigation |
Vision Statement
"To bring together our people at a gathering place that celebrates our community's culture and identity, enhancing the self determination and well being of our people. It will provide a healthy and proud "Indigenous Australian" community through motivation, education and cultural acknowledgement, whilst giving the Western Suburbs Indigenous Australians a sense of belonging and ownership"