Sarah Oliver
Melton could be getting a hub dedicated to the city’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
At a council meeting on Monday, November 13, councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg put forward a notice of motion requesting report on an Aboriginal controlled, Aboriginal Community Hub.
“An Aboriginal community services hub is especially important in Melton as Melton is home to more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families than any part of Victoria,” Cr Vandenberg said.
“I have received feedback from the community highlighting the needs for a culturally safe and inclusive services, helping to support true self-determination within our community and overall better social and health outcomes.”
Cr Vandenberg said there had already been some community consultation and she had spoken with Kirrip House, which provides services to the local Aboriginal communities in and around Melton and surrounding areas, in relation to the possibility of the hub.
Cr Vandenberg asked council officers to consider current and future community needs and possible benefits of establishing the hub.
She also asked that council’s role in supporting the co-design, collaboration and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities be considered.
A summary of other relevant hubs in Victoria was suggested, as well as potential funding streams and advocacy opportunities that could support the planning and development of the project.
