Something special is taking shape

In the heart of North Geelong, the Morgan Street redevelopment project will soon be underway, and our aim is to make it a hub of connection, care, and services for the Aboriginal community. The redevelopment, known as the Wathaurong Dreaming Project, is a major step towards bringing all of our services back together under one roof.

A great way to stay connected with our Morgan Street updates is to sign up for our newsletter. You’ll receive the latest news from Wathaurong, including any major developments about the Wathaurong Dreaming Project.

---

A one-stop hub for Aboriginal community services

For many in our community, accessing support has meant travelling across Geelong, visiting Morgan Street for GP appointments, heading to Albert Street for social and emotional wellbeing programs, and making the trip to Mackey Street at Federal Mills for family services. 

While we pride ourselves on being able to deliver these services to community, it’s a patchwork approach that has made getting help more difficult than it should be.

The new Morgan Street hub will change that. Bringing everything together under one roof, the redeveloped site will offer:

• Comprehensive healthcare services
  
• Social and emotional well-being programs
  
• Family and youth support
  
• Justice-related support services
  
• Cultural gathering spaces, a café, a library, and much more …

The Wathaurong Dreaming Project will create a central space where people feel seen, supported, and connected – a place where Aboriginal community services are woven into the daily life and rhythm of the Co-op.

---

Some of the features you’ll find at the new hub

The Morgan Street redevelopment has been guided by what our community asked for. From the very beginning, Wathaurong has listened closely, through conversations, events, and cultural consultations, to shape a facility that reflects community’s collective needs and aspirations. With Woods Bagot as the architects of the new centre, the result is a space designed by and for community.

Some key features of the new Wathaurong Dreaming Project include:

• Inside-outside consult rooms: As requested by our community, these spaces allow consultations with your doctor to take place inside or outside, allowing a stronger connection to the natural environment.
  
• Cultural spaces: Much of the centre has been designed around the Scar Tree and our dance circle, key cultural features of our site at Wathaurong.
  
• Yarning circle and women’s tranquillity garden: Dedicated spaces for reflection, conversation, and healing.
  
• New healthcare facilities: Including 12 GP consulting rooms, 2 treatment rooms, and a dentistry room
  
• 300-seat conference and hospitality space

These elements reflect what the community has asked for: places that are culturally grounded and allow a stronger connection to Country. The new Wathaurong centre is a space that doesn’t just serve the community, but belongs to it.

---

Respecting nature and heritage

Caring for Country is central to the Morgan Street redevelopment. With the help of Tract – the landscaping architects responsible for the outdoor design for our new centre – we ensured every element of the landscape design has been guided by the principle that cultural connection and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand.

• Triangular carpark and rain gardens—A triangular rain garden will capture rainwater runoff from the carpark’s hard surface. The water will run into the native grasses before the excess enters the broader stormwater network.
  
• Preservation of existing trees – The majority of trees on site are being retained, with paths and carparks carefully planned around them. This protects the site’s natural character and provides shaded, welcoming spaces for community gatherings.
  
• Planting of Indigenous flora – Between 200 and 300 new trees, all native to the area, will be planted throughout the site. These trees will not only enhance biodiversity but also reconnect the area with the local ecosystem and traditional landscapes.

These choices reflect a respectful, long-term commitment to both sustainability and culture. The new facility honours its surroundings while supporting the wellbeing of generations to come.

---

What’s happening now – early works & temporary moves

With early works now underway at Morgan Street, the site is being prepared for the next big step in the redevelopment. 

To allow this work to proceed safely, all staff and community services have temporarily relocated to other Wathaurong sites:

• GP and health appointments are now being delivered from our Albert Street offices in Geelong West.
  
• Maternity appointments are being held at the Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub in Forster Street, Norlane.
  
• The Community Strengthening/Aboriginal Access Points team is preparing to move into a new space at Kardinia Park, with further updates to come.

Patient transport continues to be available to support those needing help getting to health appointments.

The NAIDOC Week Flag Raising ceremony will go ahead at Morgan Street on Monday 7 July, with a pause on construction so community can gather and celebrate.

---

How you can be part of it

The success of the Morgan Street Redevelopment Project relies on community engagement and support. There are many ways to get involved, including:

• Fundraising ideas: If you’ve got any ideas for events or programs that could help us raise funds, we’d love to hear them! Reach out to us at fundraising@wathaurong.org.au
  
• Donations: Every contribution helps build a space that serves the community’s needs. You can donate here.

Strong Community, Strong Culture, Strong Country

The Morgan Street Redevelopment Project is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. It’s about creating a space that not only meets immediate needs but also stands as a symbol of cultural pride and unity for generations to come.

As we move forward, we remain committed to the community involvement that defines the Wathaurong community.Stay Informed:Subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates and opportunities to participate in this transformative project.