Wathaurong Aboriginal Co Op

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co Op We are here to support and politically advocate for the Aboriginal community in the Geelong and wider region.

We meet the needs of our community by providing culturally appropriate, quality services and programs which promote sustainable economic growth, political stability, health and well-being and environmental care that is respectful of Aboriginal culture. The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative acknowledges and accepts its responsibilities to the community in providing increased opportunities for social and economic advancement. We aim to have the Co-operative function in a way that will enable us to build and strengthen the social, cultural, economic, environmental and spiritual foundations of our community. We advocate for our community on issues which affect their lives and operate in a way that ensures the rights of our people are upheld. We work toward broader collaboration and maintaining partnerships with external stakeholders to ensure informed policy, program directions and service access and responsiveness. We represent community needs and interests in all of our dealings; this is the pure essence of community control.

Step into Booln Booln Café, where culture meets award-winning flavour.The café at Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre...
25/02/2026

Step into Booln Booln Café, where culture meets award-winning flavour.

The café at Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre is run by Troy Benjamin, founder of Blak Brews and winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. Wild native ingredients through specialty tea, coffee and boutique hand-made pastries, all served in a space rich with story and culture.

Whether you’re dropping in for a bite or a brew, Booln Booln Café is the place to be.

Explore the menu: https://wathaurongcc.org.au/

Booln Booln Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575271561080

Booln Booln Cafe Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575271561080

Over the weekend some young mob who are involved in Wathaurong’s Kadna Kawa leadership Academy headed out to Tae Rak Aqu...
24/02/2026

Over the weekend some young mob who are involved in Wathaurong’s Kadna Kawa leadership Academy headed out to Tae Rak Aquaculture centre and cafe to learn about the Budj Bim cultural landscape and Aquaculture systems.

The young people were taken on a tour where they were able to learn about how the Gunditjmara mob created intricate systems to hunt eel and they also learned about the changes of the landscape over time which then led to the site gaining UNESCO world heritage recognition. After the tour the young mob returned to the caf? where they did some Eel tasting!

If you want to be a part of Kadna Kawa register via this link; https://bit.ly/4ayBocj

The Geelong Cats are inviting all Indigenous and Multicultural boys and girls born between 2011-2013 to their NGA Talent...
24/02/2026

The Geelong Cats are inviting all Indigenous and Multicultural boys and girls born between 2011-2013 to their NGA Talent ID Day on Sunday 1 March at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds.

The 90-minute session will be led by Geelong Cats Academy staff and expose participants to athletic development, skill-based craft and fundamentals, and allow them to showcase their abilities in game scenarios.

To qualify for the Geelong Cats NGA the player:
- Must reside in the Geelong Cats zone in Victoria or the Northern Territory; AND
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous criteria met); OR
- Have at least one parent born in Africa, Asia, Central America, South America or Oceania (Multicultural criteria met) – excluding Australia and New Zealand.

Players are not required to be registered to a local football club to participate. Athletes, basketballers, netballers, soccer players, rugby players and cricketers are all encouraged to attend!

Sunday 1 March
Deakin University, Waurn Ponds

Girls Born 2011-2013: 9AM – 10:30AM
Boys Born 2013: 9AM – 10:30AM
Boys Born 2011-2012: 10:30AM – 12PM

• Arrival: Players are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled start time to check in and register
• Uniform: Players should wear their local community club training or playing uniform
• What to bring: Both boots and runners, a drink bottle and a mouth guard
• Cost: All Academy programs are free of charge.
• Further Opportunities: Players that are identified at the Talent ID Day will be eligible to join the Geelong Cats Academy Emerging Talent (13-14 year olds) or Development Squad (15 year olds). The Development Squad will take part in a 5-week training program on GMHBA Stadium throughout March in the lead up to the NGA Games in the April school holidays.
• Registration: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/d072e8

For more information about the Geelong Cats Academy please visit their website: https://www.geelongcats.com.au/teams/academy/

Wathaurong’s Justice team supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigating legal systems, courts, and po...
22/02/2026

Wathaurong’s Justice team supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigating legal systems, courts, and police matters. We’re here to stand beside you with culturally safe, practical support and strong advocacy.

Yarn with us if you or your family need a hand:
👉 wathaurong.org.au/justice

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for people with a permanent and significant disability ...
19/02/2026

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for people with a permanent and significant disability to access the supports they need to live well and reach their goals.

At Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, we walk alongside NDIS participants to make sure support is culturally safe, flexible, and built around your needs.

Our Support Coordination team helps you connect with the right services, whether that’s a health professional, training course, community activity, or mental health support. We’ll guide you through your plan, help you understand your budget, and make sure you get the most out of your NDIS funding.

📞 To find out more, call (03) 5277 0044 or visit wathaurong.org.au/ndis-aged-care

We’re excited to offer 2 scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young mob to take part in the Young Ende...
18/02/2026

We’re excited to offer 2 scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young mob to take part in the Young Endeavour Experience 2026 Voyage.

More information about the young endeavour can be viewed here: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young person aged 16– 23 and interested in participating, express your interest on the form below by 20/03/2026.

After expressions of interest have closed, applicants will be contacted with more information about next steps, including interviews and the selection process.

This is not a Wathaurong-run event. These scholarships are provided to Wathaurong, to support two young people to attend the voyage.
An incredible opportunity to build confidence, leadership, teamwork skills, and create lifelong memories on sea country.

Complete the expression of interest form below:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QMr9u5WCnkSTV_UlYs-Sk-B3mG-UNfBFjTgmyD3hC3pUMDRQV0FJODQ3VFVXQVUxTFRIV09SWFQyTS4u

Wathaurong is calling on our strong mob to open their hearts and homes to Aboriginal children in care.When kids are rais...
17/02/2026

Wathaurong is calling on our strong mob to open their hearts and homes to Aboriginal children in care.

When kids are raised in culture, surrounded by community, they grow strong in identity and spirit.

Become a foster carer with Wathaurong. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Have a yarn with our team today: https://wathaurong.org.au/kinship-foster-care/

15/02/2026

Need a versatile venue that reflects culture, community and respect?

Booln Booln’s Conference Centre is available for hire. Situated on Wathaurong Country, the space offers a warm, culturally grounded atmosphere with flexible layouts and room for up to 90 guests. Perfect for workshops, meetings, training, and community events.

You can also include a Welcome to Country or Smoking Ceremony to start your event the right way.

👉 Learn more or make a booking: www.wathaurongcc.org.au

www.facebook.com/wathaurongcc.org.au

The Balert Care team are starting a Koori Kitchen program! Starting from Friday 27th February, the program will run ever...
15/02/2026

The Balert Care team are starting a Koori Kitchen program!

Starting from Friday 27th February, the program will run every two weeks at Hendy Hall (36 Hendy Street, Corio) from 12pm til 3pm.

The Koori Kitchen aims to connect through through food, culture
and community. The focus will be on preparing familiar meals, sharing memories and promoting dementia awareness in a supportive and inclusive space.

All walks of life are welcome!

If you're interested in coming along, please contact Olivia on 03 4252 8707 or email Olivia.vandenbosch@wathaurong.org.au.

The Gather Art & Connection Space sessions are back up and running for 2026! Every Wednesday, join us at Booln Booln Cul...
12/02/2026

The Gather Art & Connection Space sessions are back up and running for 2026!

Every Wednesday, join us at Booln Booln Cultural Centre from 2pm til 4pm, “Gather” is a space where community are welcome to drop in and immerse themselves in creating and exploring different art mediums.

There will be art materials provided, however if you are working on something that you want to bring in then you are welcome to do that.

This program aims to provide people with a creative space and opportunities to connect with community, culture and healing.

The program aims to help build a strengthened sense of belonging, identity, self-awareness, and acceptance.

Please contact Rylie on 0402755197 if you need further information or need assistance to get there.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative is excited to once again lead the way at Pako Festa 2026! Join us as we share culture...
11/02/2026

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative is excited to once again lead the way at Pako Festa 2026! Join us as we share culture, pride, and powerful spirit through vibrant dance and community celebration on the main stage.

📅 Saturday 28 February 2026
🕘 Festival: 9am–5pm
🎉 Parade: 11am along Pakington Street

Bring your friends, your energy, and your pride. See you on Pako!

The City of Greater Geelong has a current open grant opportunity for the First Nations Community Strengthening Grant. Pr...
11/02/2026

The City of Greater Geelong has a current open grant opportunity for the First Nations Community Strengthening Grant.

Previously called First Nations Cultural Heritage Grants, the First Nations Community Strengthening Grant has been adapted to support self-determined projects and initiatives aimed at increasing health and social equity for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations People, organisations and groups living in greater Geelong.

The City of Greater Geelong will be hosting an information session about these grants, to help answer any questions and guide community in what they may apply for as part of the grant process.

The information session will be held on:

Friday 13 February
11am – 2pm
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, 10-12 Albert Street, Geelong West

This session is a drop in session (come any time) and will provide information and resources to support applications. Come along and ask any questions you might have about the grant or to discuss a project idea you might have.

For more information about the grant, visit https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants/article/item/8d927a95b044929.aspx

Address

Lot 62 Morgan Street
Geelong, VIC
3215

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61352770044

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wathaurong Aboriginal Co Op posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Wathaurong Aboriginal Co Op:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram