Culture, connection and opportunity – new hub opens in Wimmera

A new chapter begins for the Indigenous community in Victoria’s Wimmera region, in Horsham.

Today, the Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative Limited (GGAC) celebrated the opening of their eagerly awaited community services hub, ‘Dalki Guli’.

The hub will provide a fully integrated service model supporting community needs, built on a foundation of culture first, strong and safe families and happy and healthy lifestyles.

The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) has proudly supported the project, contributing $1 million towards the hub’s renovations and fit out.

Dalki Guli will be a place for First Nations people to call their own – an essential gathering space where culture will not only be practised, but celebrated on the lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Jupagulk and Wergaia peoples.

Due to its growing clinical services, GGAC had limited space for its social services, with no appropriate areas for larger group gatherings, programs and activities. However, change is on the horizon.

Situated in a prime location on the main highway from Melbourne to Adelaide, Dalki Guli is equipped to provide essential, culturally appropriate programs for Elders, families, young children and adolescents.

The additional space will see GGAC improve their efficiency – bringing with it an increase in client numbers, with 130 program participants each year and 350 participants involved in activities at the hub.

A variety of Indigenous training and employment opportunities are also on offer, helping to empower future generations within the region in the coming years.

This will lead to enhanced health and wellbeing for Indigenous people, as well as improved engagement and cohesion within the community, for the long-term.

Goolum Goolum Board Chairperson, Jake Goodes, reflected on what the hub would mean for his community, now and into the future.

“One of our proudest milestones this year has been the official opening of the Dalki Guli Hub. A project that represents far more than bricks and mortar.

“The hub has been thoughtfully designed to reflect cultural heritage principles, incorporating natural materials, textures, and storytelling elements that ground the building deeply in Country. Every design choice has been made to create an environment that feels welcoming, safe, and healing.

“Importantly, the hub is a place for the community, a space where people can come together to connect, learn, celebrate, and support one another. It is a place to share stories, strengthen cultural identity, connect and nurture future generations.

“The hub honours the past, celebrates the present, and lays the foundation for a stronger, more connected future reflecting who we are as a proud community grounded in Culture, Country, and care for one another,” said Mr Goodes.

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison, praised GGAC’s dedication in developing the hub – reflecting on its significance for local Indigenous groups.

“The ILSC honours the resilience and continuing connection to Country and culture of all First Nations people across Australia.

“The Dalki Guli Hub will not only drive positive change, but it will also be a beacon of hope for the community, representing their investment and commitment to their future aspirations.

“On behalf of the ILSC, I congratulate GGAC on bringing their vision, which is shared by the community, to life,” said Mr Morrison.

The Dalki Guli Hub is located at 36 Hamilton Road Horsham, Victoria.