Message from Travis Morgan, Munarra Limited chair
THIS moment’s been in play for more than six years, since we received funding from the Victorian Government and I’d like to acknowledge Premier Andrews for his support then to afford us this opportunity to build this great infrastructure. This infrastructure will not just benefit the Shepparton community, but the region, the state and the nation as well. Also, we are strengthening our partnerships across the ditch in Whakatane with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (New Zealand/Aotearoa).
I’d like to acknowledge the State Government and the University of Melbourne for coming on board and partnering with us here on Yorta Yorta Country, which has been a partnership for the last 20 years working with the School of Rural Health and the Academy of Sports, Health & Education (ASHE), which over the last 20 years has put through about 1,000 students. These students have got qualifications and gone on to work and contribute to this community and state, which is a great achievement.
The Munarra Centre gives us another opportunity to practice our inherent rights here on country about welcoming people in and hosting people of our country and making sure that we are looking after country and looking after people, which we’ve done for thousands of years.
I’d also like to acknowledge the Munarra Board. Uncle Paul Briggs, Josh Atkinson, Milton Nomikoudis, Barry Judd and Aunty Jan Muir, as well as past board members, for their contributions over the last four to five years. I’d also like to thank and acknowledge Tiriki Onus and Inala Cooper for the work they’ve done. This building has been a lot of work in play in terms of not just this board, but also the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Kaiela Institute, University of Melbourne, Latrobe University and the broader community.
The design – from the building to the landscape – has all been planned with community. With engagement happening over 12 months, talking to over 1,000 people – what they would like to see from a building like Munarra. As you’re walking through the Centre, you’ll see key aspects of art, culture and landscape from broad range of Yorta Yorta country – from the Warby Ranges with the rocks to the Barmah National Park with the wetlands. These elements have all been put into this building. It showcases Yorta Yorta culture and people to the region, to the nation and internationally.
I’m really proud to present Munarra to the community. This is another fantastic infrastructure project that adds onto Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative, Njernda Aboriginal Co-Op, and Rumbalara Football Netball Club. These are the institutions that have come along to support community and support the region. Thank you.
