Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative has welcomed this week’s Victorian State Budget announcement confirming a $15 million investment toward the Wathaurong Dreaming Project, marking a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Morgan Street site.

This significant commitment from the Victorian Government brings the long-envisioned project a step closer to reality, enabling the transformation of the current facility into a modern, culturally safe, and community-driven space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the region.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative CEO, Simon Flagg, said the announcement represents years of advocacy, planning, and community consultation.

“This investment is a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of Aboriginal-led community infrastructure. The Wathaurong Dreaming Project is about more than a building – it’s about creating a place where culture is strengthened, community is supported, and future generations can thrive.”

Member for Lara, Ella George, said she was proud to support the project and the Wathaurong community. 

“The Wathaurong Dreaming Project is a community-led and designed facility that will bring enormous benefits to Geelong’s northern suburbs. 

Not only will it deliver vital GP appointments and provide holistic, wrap-around health, family and community services, it will also strengthen the wellbeing of locals right across our community.

Thanks to $15 million in funding committed by the Victorian Labor Government in this year’s State Budget, it’s exciting to see this long-awaited project come to life.”

Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples and Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, said that the commitment from the Victorian Government would deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal people across our region, and this investment recognises the importance of having facilities that reflect the strength, culture and aspirations of community.

This investment is the result of years of strong advocacy from the community, and I am honoured to have stood alongside the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative in pushing for this outcome. 

I’m proud to have advocated for this project and to see it come to life through this funding commitment.

The Wathaurong Dreaming Project is about more than infrastructure, it is about self-determination, cultural strength, and ensuring Aboriginal communities have access to services that are designed by and for them.

I look forward to seeing this project come to life and continuing to support initiatives that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Western District.”

The redevelopment of the Morgan Street site will deliver a purpose-built facility designed to meet the growing needs of the Aboriginal community, supporting health, wellbeing, cultural connection, and social outcomes. 

The $43.6m project was designed by award winning architects Woods Bagot, and in 2025 local developer, Plan Group, was awarded the tender to build the Wathaurong Dreaming Project. 

Wathaurong worked closely with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to put together a strong business case for the state government budget bid, and VACCHO has continued to provide invaluable advocacy for this project. 

With this additional funding now confirmed, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will move forward with the next phase of the project, including preparations for demolition of the existing building and commencement of construction.

As part of this transition, Wathaurong will host a community farewell event at the Morgan Street site in late May, providing an opportunity for community members to walk through the existing facility, reflect on its history, and share memories before construction begins.

“Morgan Street has been a place of connection, support, and community for many years. It’s important that we take the time to honour that history and give our community the opportunity to say goodbye in a meaningful way,” said CEO, Simon Flagg. 

The Wathaurong Dreaming Project has been supported by significant Federal Government investment, with a $15.6m commitment in 2022, alongside ongoing efforts to secure philanthropic and community contributions to fully realise the vision.