30 August 2023, 9:40
Legislative Council of Victoria, Melbourne
David Ettershank (Western Metropolitan):
Last week it was my honour to attend the opening of Cooinda, the first dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander centre in the City of Brimbank. The ceremony was attended by a large crowd that included many local elders from the community; my esteemed colleague Mr Trung Luu; Dr Daniel Mulino, the federal member for Fraser; the mayor of Brimbank Mr Bruce Lancashire; and many Brimbank councillors.
The Cooinda centre will provide a culturally safe space for Brimbank’s First Nations community, offering a range of programs geared towards reconciliation, healing, health, education and wellbeing.
I would like to pay tribute to the leaders and activists of the local First Nations community, who have worked tirelessly over many years with both state and local government to create this fantastic space. I would also like to acknowledge the councillors, management and staff of the City of Brimbank, who work so hard for their communities and consistently punch way above their weight.
This is a great and practical example of partnership driven by the insights of the local First Nations people to create a valuable and lasting asset for their community. I wish them, and I am sure this house wishes them, every success in the future. This is, always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
[Ends]
