Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The purpose-built facility is set to open in January 2025.
In brief:
- The new facility for Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation is being built in Wanniassa.
- This article contains details about the building and Gugan Gulwan’s services.
Work is on track at the new home of the Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation in Wanniassa.
It will support Gugan Gulwan to deliver expanded services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, including:
- children
- young people
- families.
The purpose-built centre will offer services in a culturally appropriate and familiar setting.
It will have a private central gathering place. There will also be a fire pit to acknowledge traditional and contemporary cultural practices.
The new facility will tell the stories of pre-colonisation, post-colonisation and contemporary history with an ongoing connection to Country through artwork and storytelling.
It seeks to reflect and uphold Aboriginal identity, including when connections to Country may be elsewhere.
Considered, sustainable design
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have culturally led the design. Interpretive work within will reflect this.
The unique façade features 43 highly detailed precast panels. Each weighs an average of eight tonnes.
The project is targeting 5-star Green Buildings certification. Features include:
- a performance glazing system
- efficient lighting
- a large solar PV system.
The building will also collect water with a 1,700L rainwater collection tank.
Gugan Gulwan and its leadership
Gugan Gulwan’s commitment is to protect, nurture and support children, youth and their families as they grow – from birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.
Gugan Gulwan work in collaboration and partnership with their clients through a range of programs.
Damien Coke has recently been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation. This follows the retirement of Kim Davison after decades of service.
Mr Coke is a proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba man, with significant connections to the Yuin nation and maintains a strong connection to his cultures.
He has extensive experience in cultural engagement for corporates and change management for diversity and inclusion outcomes.
Mr Coke is also a highly experienced senior manager and administrator, having held positions including Chief Operations Officer for Reconciliation Australia and Executive Director, Business Services at Indigenous Business Australia.
“This is a beautiful and unique building, which in many ways reflects the organization that is Gugan Gulwan,” Mr Coke said.
“My vision for this new building is not just a place that is beautiful and unique. My vision is for this place to be a home away from home for the community. A place that is culturally safe and where all mob feel welcome – always.”
To find more information about Gugan Gulwan visit their Facebook page.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter: