Albanese Labor Government to invest in Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative

Member for Corio Richard Marles and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney today announced that an Albanese Labor Government will invest $15.6 million to upgrade facilities at the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative.

Labor’s commitment to a new redevelopment of the Morgan Street site will bring all support services under one roof.

The redevelopment will create a space that meets current and future needs, including additional health consulting rooms, office, meeting space, hospitality and a conference centre.

Wathaurong’s service delivery covers a catchment area of 700 square kilometres across Geelong, Colac and Bellarine Peninsula and the Western Metro region of Melbourne. Wathaurong supports community of over 3500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples providing families with a range of supports from birth to dreaming.

This redevelopment aims to create a site that embraces cultural connection, strengthens connection to community, enhances accessibility and creates a strong identity in the Geelong region.

Labor will always support local medical services and high-quality facilities are central to keeping our community healthy and safe.
 

Quotes attributable to Richard Marles MP:

“This investment will not only ensure that the Wathaurong Co-Operative can meet the increasing demand but create a modern hub that will provide essential culturally appropriate services to the Indigenous community.”

Quotes attributable to Linda Burney: 

“Labor introduced the Closing the Gap targets, and Labor will always invest in communities to help meet those targets.”

“Culturally safe primary health care is central to making sure we close the gap in life expectancy and health outcomes and Labor is committed to working with First Nations community-controlled organisations to achieve these goals.”