Wathaurong Aboriginal Co Op

05/11/2026

Celebrating 9 Years of the Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place!

For nearly a decade, the Gathering Place has been a space for community connection through art, culture and language. It's where stories are shared, creativity is nurtured, and culture is celebrated every day.

To mark this special milestone, The Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place are excited to be part of the 2026 Creative Otways Arts Trail this weekend, showcasing a vibrant community exhibition that reflects the creativity, talent and spirit of the local community.

Take your time exploring the exhibition, discovering local artists and browsing our shop, which is filled with beautiful locally made gifts, handmade treasures and unique pieces. With Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to find something meaningful while supporting local creatives.

Every purchase helps support the Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place and the artists and makers who bring the space to life.

WHERE: Unit 5, 86-88 Murray Street, Colac (Ten Pin Bowl Arcade)
WHEN: Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 November
TIME: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past nine years.

The Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place look forward to welcoming you this weekend and continuing to create a space where culture, creativity and community can thrive for years to come.

05/11/2026

Wathaurong Boxing is back in full swing, and we’re still taking registrations!

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative is proud to partner with Corner Boxing Co. to deliver a 6-week boxing program designed to build self-worth, confidence, connection, engagement, and a sense of purpose, with a presentation night on Thursday 3rd December.

No experience needed. Open to all ages and abilities, this program is a great opportunity to have fun, build confidence, learn new boxing skills and connect with Wathaurong community.

Thursday nights | 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Starting 29th October 2026
Booln Booln Cultural Centre (410 Surf Coast HWY, Grovedale)

Please note that all sessions will be held at Booln Booln Cultural Centre, with the exception of the final week (at Corner Boxing Co. in South Geelong)

Come along, build your skills, connect with community, and discover your strength.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3Uo842G

BSW Dhelk Dja supports the Wathaurong Boxing Project through FSV’s Community Initiative Fund. BSW Dhelk Dja, Wathaurong and Corner Boxing are committed to upholding the Goolowan Oath : I have the right to live in a safe relationship, family and community that is free from violence. I agree to uphold these rights and take responsibility for my own words and actions.

04/11/2026

Need support getting your licence?

The Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub is running an L2P Program for young Mob.

If you're aged 16–21 and need support to complete your learner driving hours, don't have access to a car, or need a supervising driver, sign up to join the waitlist today!

Register your interest now and we'll be in touch when a place becomes available.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/fgU3dzbSXe

If you have any questions regarding this program, please email: [email protected]

03/11/2026

Learn, Grow & Cook with Nornie Bero!

Join Booln Booln Cultural Centre for a hands-on four-part workshop series exploring the journey from garden to plate. Learn about the flavours and uses of spices, discover how to grow and use herbs, build practical gardening skills, and gain confidence in the kitchen.

Workshop Dates:
Spices | Wednesday 11th November | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Herbs | Friday 27th November | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Garden | Wednesday 2nd December | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Cooking | Tuesday 15th December | 11:00am - 12:30pm

Places are limited and registrations are essential.

Free to attend.

Please note this program is for Wathaurong Community only.

Regsiter here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/LXV65N7t0v

02/11/2026

Join us for the second series of Possum Skin Cloak Workshops led by Aunty Lisa Couzens.

These workshops are an opportunity for community to come together to contribute to the creation of possum skin cloaks and blankets for patients on their cancer journey or receiving palliative care, supporting connection, comfort and cultural care.

The workshops are open to everyone, regardless of experience, and all materials will be provided.

Geelong Region workshop 2 | Tuesday 10th November | Norlane ARC (1-9 Cox Rd, Norlane) | 4pm - 7pm

Sessions are drop in!

Please register your interest for catering purposes only:
Geelong rego link: https://bit.ly/4yauwdC

We welcome community members to come along, learn, connect and contribute to this meaningful project.

If you would like further information, please use the contact details below
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected] or by Phone 0499321345

02/11/2026

The Wathaurong Community Christmas Party is back at Booln Booln Cultural Centre this year!

Join us on Sunday 13th December, from 11am to 2pm, for a deadly end-of-year celebration with our mob.

There’ll be plenty of fun activities for the kids, a free BBQ lunch, and of course a special visit from the big man himself, Santa.

All Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Wathaurong community members and their families are welcome. If you're planning on attending and would like your child/children to receive a present from Santa, you must register them on the Christmas Gift Register.

Registrations close Sunday 6th December. Children must be registered by this date to receive a gift on the day.

Register here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/CXSGxD1JNd

We look forward to celebrating with you mob!

30/10/2026

Mental Health Month may be wrapping up, but looking after ourselves, our mob and each other matters all year round.

Remember, you don’t have to carry everything on your own.

Reach out to someone you trust, have a yarn and ask for support when you need it. And keep checking in with the people around you, even after October is over.

Look after yourself. Look after your mob. Stay connected. Stay strong.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op: 5277 0044
13 Yarn: 139 276
Yarning Safe’ n ’Strong: 1800 959 563
Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
The Orange door: 1800 312 820
Thirrili: 1800 805 801
eheadspace: 1800 650 890

30/10/2026

A reminder that the Booln Booln Cultural Centre Café Opening Party is on tomorrow!

Check out the details below and help celebrate this exciting new chapter.

28/10/2026

A reminder, nomination forms must be lodged with Senior Project Officer Megan Frazer by close of business Friday 30th October 2026.

NOTICE OF AGM

To all members, we are notifying you that our 2025/26 AGM will be held on:
Date: SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER, 2026
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Venue: Booln Booln Cultural Centre

Please Note:
1. In accordance with Rule 35 and 38 there are five (5) vacancies on the Board of Directors. The vacancies are:
• Two (2) General Director positions for two-year terms
• One (1) General Director position for a one-year term arising from a Board resignation
• One (1) dedicated Colac Director position for a two-year term; and
• One (1) dedicated Wyndham Director position for a two-year term

2. Who can become a Director on the Board of Wathaurong Aboriginal Co operative?
- A person who is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent,
- A person who is 18 years or older,
- A person who has been a member of Wathaurong Aboriginal Co operative for a minimum of two continuous years; and no other member of their family is currently a Director.

3. Who cannot become a Director on the Board of Wathaurong Aboriginal Co operative?
- A person who has been declared bankrupt,
- A person who has an offence within a period of 5 years after a conviction, or if sentenced to imprisonment, after release from prison.

4. Board candidate nomination forms are available from Friday 16th October. You can request a copy by email from [email protected] or collected from Reception at 10-12 Albert Street, Geelong West.

Please note nomination forms must be lodged with Senior Project Officer Megan Frazer by close of business Friday 30th October 2026.

Late nominations will NOT be accepted.

28/10/2026

The Geelong Aboriginal Employment Expo is back in 2026!

Happening on Thursday 26th November at Nyaal Banyul Convention Centre, it’s a great opportunity to see a whole range of different employment pathways, traineeships, apprenticeships and education opportunities for First Nations people, all in one place.

The expo will be on from 9am til 5pm, and will include hourly door prizes, lots of giveaways, and most importantly - REAL job opportunities.

If you or someone you know is looking for work, or looking for your next career step, or just want to learn more about what opportunities there are in Geelong, come along and check it out.

This is a FREE event - register now, or on the day! You can register by clicking the link below, or scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.

Our Wathaurong People & Performance team will have a stall on the day and will be able to share information about job opportunities within Wathaurong as well.

See ya there!

REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/L4BeCVrGKvu4TXxX8