A development application has now been lodged for Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation’s purpose-built facility in Wanniassa and will soon be released for public consultation.
The ACT Government and Gugan Gulwan have worked closely to develop plans for a new facility, to be built on the existing site, that would enable expanded services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families in a familiar setting.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to recognising and building on the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.
“Gugan Gulwan’s incredible staff do fantastic work supporting Canberra’s First Nations children, young people and families. It’s great to be working with them to ensure they have the space they need to do even more in the years ahead,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“We know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations have unique expertise to provide culturally safe services and to work with families who have often experienced intergenerational trauma as a result of past government policies and practices.
“Gugan Gulwan was established in 1992 and its current building has undergone a range of ad hoc refurbishments since the service moved to its Grattan Court site in 2001. After 30 years supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, a purpose-built facility will ensure Gugan Gulwan can continue to meet the needs of the community into the future.
“The new building will include a reception area, staff workspaces, youth work and homework spaces, function and exhibition spaces, art and music facilities and indoor and outdoor play areas.
“I invite local community members in particular to have a look at the proposed designs for the new Gugan Gulwan facility and share their feedback via the development application process.
“A lot of work has gone into designing something truly special for Gugan Gulwan and I hope Canberrans will be just as excited about it as I am,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
The Gugan Gulwan Development Application will be available for community members to view and comment on at planning.act.gov.au/talk-with-us/pubnote.
In preparation for development of the new facility, Gugan Gulwan has temporarily relocated to Erindale Business Park, 2 Lansell Circuit, Wanniassa.
