DJAARA CENTRE OPENS TO FOSTER COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND COUNTRY
BY ASAD KHAN
BENDIGO, VIC — The Djaara community celebrated the opening of their new corporate and community centre today, fulfilling a long-held vision for a Dja Dja Wurrung hub to promote the wellbeing of people and Country.
Named Larnangurrak, meaning "our place" in the Dja Dja Wurrung language, the centre serves as both a cultural gathering space and an office for approximately 100 staff.
“More than a building, more than a workplace, Larnangurrak is a special place designed by Dja Dja Wurrung for Dja Dja Wurrung and the wider community,” said Uncle Rodney Carter, CEO of the Dja Dja Wurrung Group. and proud descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta.
The journey to today’s opening began in February 2022 when DJAARA received the official title to the land on Hattam Street, Golden Square. Construction commenced in June 2023 following a garni (digging stick) ceremony.
A Wartaka (advisory group) played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural design and features of Larnangurrak.
“Every element has a purpose and has been carefully considered to create a welcoming and safe place,” he said.
The corporate centre features yarning and sand circles for ceremonial practices, rammed-earth walls, and materials sourced locally, including stone and timber.
Landscaping includes culturally significant plants irrigated with stormwater, aligning with DJAARA’s commitment to sustainability. The site also boasts a 135kW solar panel system and electric vehicle charging stations.
Art is central to the building, with around a dozen commissioned Dja Dja Wurrung artworks on display.
“Each piece represents and honours an important element of Culture. It is welcoming for Dja Dja Wurrung People and for all who visit Larnangurrak,
“Collectively, these artworks are Djaara brilliance on show.”
Uncle Carter also highlighted the centre’s future engagement with the wider community.
“Once we settle in, we look forward to welcoming the community through events and shared spaces such as the theatre, conference room, and open areas.”
The Victorian Government provided significant funding for the project, enabling the transformation of the former Golden Square High School site, closed since 2008.
The construction generated local jobs throughout the build and will continue to create opportunities through ongoing site maintenance.
Future plans for the site include a depot to support DJANDAK, DJAARA’s land management enterprise.
Larnangurrak offers spaces for learning and interaction, fostering cultural exchange and community connection.
“It’s an opportunity to share our Culture and contribute to the healing of people and Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) for the benefit of all who live on, work on, and visit this land,” Uncle Carter said.
“From Larnangurrak ‘our place,’ we will work together to create a future for Central Victorians that would make all our Dja Dja Wurrung Ancestors proud.”
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with Uncle Rodney Carter: