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Brimbank Council Meeting No. 643 - 18 March 2025
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12.4
Vietnamese Museum Australia And Welcome Plaza – Project Update
+
12.4
Vietnamese Museum Australia and Welcome Plaza –
Project Update
Directorate
City Futures
Director
Kristen Gilbert (Acting)
Chris Leivers
Manager
Aidan Mullen
Lisa Davis
Attachment(s)
1. VMA Welcome Plaza Landscape Concept [
12.4.1
- 1
page]
2. Wominjeka Plaza Targeted Consultation Results [
12.4.2
-
6 pages]
Purpose
To provide an update on the Vietnamese Museum Australia project, including the associated
welcome plaza and car park, and seek Council approval to consult the community on the
proposed name of the plaza.
Officer Recommendation
That Council:
a. Notes the sale of land to the Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd (VMA)
has been completed and works on the building are scheduled to
commence in March/April 2025.
b. Notes the indicative timeline for construction of the VMA, with
construction of the building planned to be complete in March 2026.
c. Notes that Council Officers have undertaken engagement with local
multicultural groups, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders in
relation to the design of the proposed new plaza and that a Concept Plan
is now complete, with information to be shared with the immediate
neighbours as part of the plaza naming consultation.
d. Notes that external funding opportunities have been explored for the
plaza and that to date, external funding has not been secured.
e. Notes that advocacy for external funding for the plaza will continue.
f. Notes that potential Council contribution to fund delivery of the plaza will
be considered as part of the 2025/26 Council Budget process.
g. Endorses the proposed name of the plaza as
Wominjeka Plaza
, and notes
that community consultation will be undertaken in accordance with
Council’s Place Naming Policy and the
Geographic Place Names Act
1998.
Background
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 March 2024, Council considered a proposal to sell
part of the land known as Durham Road Car Park in Sunshine, directly to the Vietnamese
Museum Australia Ltd (VMA Ltd) for the purposes of operating a nationally significant
cultural museum. At this meeting, it was resolved:

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That Council:
a.
Notes that following its resolution on 12 December 2023, Council has undertaken
the statutory procedures required by section 114 of the Local Government Act
2020 in respect of the proposal to sell part of the land known as Durham Road
Car Park in Sunshine, directly to the Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd for the
purposes of operating a nationally significant cultural museum.
b.
Notes that the copies of all 189 written submissions received, including 179
submission via Council's Your Say page (provided in Attachment 1) and 8 emails,
including a letter of support with 1,868 signatures, (provided in Attachment 2)
and a petition against the proposal with 196 petitioners (received at the 19 March
2024 Council Meeting), as well as the minutes of the Hearing of Submissions
Committee meeting held on 4 March 2024 (provided in Attachment 3) and that
this report summaries and discusses the main items for consideration raised in
the submissions.
c.
Having considered all submissions received, Council resolves to proceed with the
proposal to sell the approximate 1,000 square metre parcel within the land known
as Durham Road Car Park (as shown in Attachment 4) in Sunshine directly to the
Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd.
d.
Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to undertake anything necessary, incidental
or convenient to be done in connection with the sale of the Durham Road Car
Park parcel, including signing the Contract of Sale (see Attachment 5), Vendor
Statement (Attachment 6) the Section 173 Agreement (see Attachment 7), which
includes the following key elements:
i.
The financial offer from Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd for the land is
for market value, as confirmed by the valuation from the independent
qualified valuer dated 16 November 2023;
ii.
A condition is placed on title (via the Section 173 Agreement) that restricts
the use of the land for the purposes of a cultural museum for a 50-year
period (unless otherwise agreed by Council after 30 years);
iii.
Time restrictions are placed on the delivery of the proposal to ensure
construction occurs within a reasonable time,
iv.
Council will have access to the function space for up to 6 events per year,
free of charge, subject to availability.
v.
The 6 car spaces proposed to be constructed on the title, will be managed
by Council through agreement, in order to be made available for public
parking while balancing the needs to provide access for Vietnamese
Museum Australia Ltd staff and events.
vi.
Costs for reconfiguration of the remaining car park on Council land, of
approximately $400,000, will be shared equally between Council and the
Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd and may be undertaken by the
appointed Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd builder, subject to Council
approval.
vii.
Site occupation and tree amenity fees are to be waived by Council,
however Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd are to pay all other statutory
fees.
e.
Notes that a condition of the Contract of Sale requires Vietnamese Museum
Australia Ltd to obtain planning permit approval prior to settlement and transfer

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of the land and notes that under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 this
planning application process:
i.
Will be a separate statutory process, following this decision,
ii.
Can be considered under Clause 53.22 (Significant Economic
Development) where the applicant may seek the State Government to be
the responsible authority for the application, and
iii.
Will address issues such as parking and determine the appropriate use and
size of the proposed museum.
f.
Resolves to reserve for open space the Council-owned land parcel at the eastern
end of the Durham Road Car Park, including:
i.
Developing a concept design for a ‘Welcome Plaza’ that celebrates all
refugee and migrant communities that call Brimbank home, including
appropriate consultation with Traditional Owners and multicultural groups,
ii.
Retain the two large trees and ensure they are protected during
construction,
iii.
Working with the Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd to ensure that the
proposed Council owned open space design appropriately integrates with
the proposed museum,
iv.
Noting the Section 173 Agreement (see Attachment 6) makes clear
delivery of the proposed ‘Welcome Plaza’ is at Council’s discretion,
v.
Support for the delivery of the ‘Welcome Plaza’ following the completion of
the adjacent museum, if the estimated $850,000 budget can be secured;
and
vi.
Actively seek funding for the ‘Welcome Plaza’ through advocacy to both
State and Federal Governments and local members.
g.
Resolves to allocate the Council-owned land parcel at the western end of the
Durham Road Car Park, as free-hold land and reconfigure the existing carpark
layout, including:
i.
Complete engineering drawings for the concept layout of the reconfigured
carpark which provides for 24 car spaces (including 2 accessible spaces),
ii.
Seek permission from Department of Transport and Planning to
reconfigure the bus stops on Durham Road, in order to construct a new car
park entrance at the western end,
iii.
Work with the Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd to ensure that the
proposed Council owned car park appropriately integrates with the design
on the museum land, including new tree planting and garden bed along
the museum interface,
iv.
Retain the large tree, by creating a garden bed in the tree protection zone
and ensure it is protected during construction,
v.
Notes that the car park works, estimated to cost approximately $400,000,
will be cost shared between Council and the Vietnamese Museum Australia
Ltd (i.e. 50% cost to each party), with final costs to be confirmed through
the procurement process,
vi.
Resolves to allocate approximately $200,000 in the future years annual
budget, timing delivery with the construction of the proposed Vietnamese
Museum Australia Ltd; and
vii.
Notes Council will be undertaking the car park works separately to the
proposed museum works and timing of works will be subject to the
completion of the museum works and Council's program.
h.
Notes the findings of draft Durham Road Car Parking Management Plan (see
Attachment 8), which found that the proposed impact of the VMA operation and
reduction of the Durham Road Car Park could be accommodated during the day
through existing on-street car parking, however during the evenings with an
event had the potential to use all of the nearby on-street car parking.

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i.
Resolves to undertake the immediate steps to address the identified car parking
issues:
i.
Implement the review of time-based restrictions to on-street car parking,
which includes an extension of restrictions until 10pm on weekdays and
weekends, reduction of some parking from 2 hours to 1 hour and making
some unrestricted parking restricted,
ii.
Increased enforcement of parking restrictions to ensure adequate
turnover,
iii.
Increase of 5 on-street parking spaces in Sun Crescent, near Watt Street,
by reinstating redundant crossovers, and
iv.
Writes to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, the Hon Danny
Pearson, to request that the State Government:
i.
make the commuter car parks in Sunshine CBD legally available to
the non-commuter public after 6pm on weeknights and all day on
weekends,
ii.
Expedite the funding and delivery of the proposed ‘Spurline’ project,
as identified in the Sunshine Station Masterplan, to create a new
pedestrian link connecting the southern village precinct and the
Durham Road site with the Sunshine CBD north of the railway, and
iii.
consolidate and appropriately relocate the existing bus stops within
Durham Road and Sun Crescent, Sunshine, to create a new car
park access point for the Durham Road Car Park and seek to
facilitate the creation of any additional on-street car spaces.
j.
Notes that further parking measures, as outlined in the draft Durham Road Car
Parking Management Plan, may be considered by Council following the opening
of the proposed museum and the actual car parking impacts are assessed.
k.
Writes to all submitters on the proposal to sell part of the land known as Durham
Road Car Park in Sunshine, thanking them for their submission and advising of
Council’s decision and the reasons outlined in the report.
l.
Writes to relevant project stakeholders to advise of Council’s decision to sell
Council land directly to the Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd, including:
i.
Mr Bruce Mildenhall, Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd President
ii.
The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant
Services and Multicultural Affairs of Australia (Commonwealth
government funding partner)
iii.
The Hon Ingrid Stitt MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs (State
Government Victoria funding partner)
iv.
Dr Daniel Mulino MP, local Commonwealth Member for Fraser
v.
Ms Sarah Connolly MP, local State Member for Laverton.
The Vietnamese Museum Australia (VMA) will become the sixth multicultural museum in
Victoria. It is proposed to become a prominent landmark and important cultural space
for the Vietnamese and wider Melbourne community, with potential for annual visitation
of 25,000-33,000 visitors, including school groups.
Responsibility for development and operation of the $25 million museum sits with the
VMA. Grants have been successfully obtained from the Federal Government ($10 million)
and the Victorian State Government ($6.5 million) the remainder is funded by VMA Ltd
($8.5 million). Approval for the development was granted by the Victorian Minister for

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Planning through the Development Facilitation program. Once complete the museum will
be operated by independently by the VMA.
There are four elements to the project that Council is responsible for:
1. Sale of part of the Durham Road Car Park to VMA Ltd and construction of the
Museum;
2. Construction of a plaza to serve as the forecourt to the Museum and attractive
gathering space that celebrates First Nations and all refugee and migrant
communities that call Brimbank home;
3. Reconfiguration of the retained section of the Council-owned carpark at Durham
Road; and
4. Addressing car parking concerns raised through 2023 community consultation on
the sale of part of the Durham Road Car Park for the Museum.
An update on each project element is provided below.
Matters for Consideration
1. Sale of the Durham Road land parcel to VMA Ltd and Construction of the
Museum
(a) Sale of land and land transfer
The VMA Ltd has met all the conditions outlined in the Contract of Sale, including
obtaining planning approval and showing evidence of adequate funding for construction.
As such the Contract of Sale has now been completed and the land transferred to the
VMA Ltd.
A Section 173 Agreement has been executed which governs the use and management of
the land going forward as outlined in previous Council reports.
(b) Construction timeline etc
Construction of the VMA museum will commence in March/April 2025 and is expected to
be completed in March 2026.
2. New “Welcome Plaza”
(a) Plaza Design
In accordance with the Council Resolution of 19 March 2024, a Concept Design for the
plaza has been completed, in consultation with Traditional Owners, multicultural groups
and internal stakeholders. The proposed plaza will be approximately 675 square metres
and will sit immediately adjacent to the museum (to the east) (refer to
Attachment 1
).
This plaza is intended to be a destination in its own right, open to the public at all times.
It will function as a forecourt to the Museum; be an attractive space that celebrates First
Nations, refugee and migrant communities that call Brimbank home; and a connection
between R T Pollard Gardens and Durham Road.
The plaza design aims to address several concerns and opportunities raised during the
consultation period, including:
Public safety and existing antisocial behaviour;
Recognition of all refugee and migrant communities; and

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Providing a potential economic stimulus for local businesses.
The plaza will be a pedestrian-only space (i.e. closed to vehicles) and has been designed
to include generous public seating, lighting, garden beds, public art, tree planting and a
table structure around the large existing gum trees. Officers have worked closely with
the VMA to ensure the plaza appropriately integrates with the Museum.
Detailed Design of the plaza will commence in March 2025. Officers will work closely with
a selected local indigenous artist (member of BATSICC) for the public art component
within the plaza and will undertake additional engagement with specific groups including
Wurundjeri and BATSICC on the art element.
The Concept Design will be available to the community via Council’s website and will be
incorporated into the engagement material shared with the immediate neighbours as
part of the plaza naming consultation.
(b) Plaza cost and funding opportunities
The current cost estimate for the plaza is $1.1 million (excluding GST).
Officers have pursued external funding opportunities through advocacy to both the
Victorian State Government and the Federal Government, in accordance with the 19
March 2024 Council Resolution. Funding for the plaza is included in Brimbanks advocacy
material leading into the Federal election, with ongoing discussions continuing at the
Federal level. Advocacy to the State Government has also been regularly pursued with
relevant Ministers and Local Members.
An application was made to the Federal Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program
however this application was not successful.
As construction of the Museum building will commence in March/April 2025 and the plaza
needs to be built immediately adjacent, it is proposed that Council considers potential
funding of the plaza as part of the 2025/26 Council Budget process.
Officers will continue to advocate for funding and apply for grants as opportunities arise.
(c) Proposed plaza name
The new plaza is proposed to be named
Wominjeka Plaza
. This name was recommended
by the Wurundjeri Elders during consultation on the plaza design.
Wominjeka means ‘welcome’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.
Council has been granted official permission to use this word for the name of the plaza
by the Wurundjeri Elders. There has been no objection to the proposed name during the
consultation sessions held to date.
To officially name the plaza, Geographic Places Victoria (GPV) requires a statutory
process be followed, which includes a 30-day period of community consultation. Any
objections to the name must demonstrate how the proposal fails to comply with the
Naming Rules for Places in Victoria (the Naming Rules) specified in Section 7. If it can
be proven that the proposal does not comply with the Naming Rules, Council must alter
or abandon the proposed name.
Council’s endorsement to consult the community on the name
Wominjeka Plaza,
as part
of this statutory process, is sought via this report.

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3. Durham Road Car Park Reconfiguration (western end)
Design of the retained section of the car park at the western end has progressed,
ensuring integration with the VMA building and access designs. Landscaping elements
will include an adequate garden bed for the existing eucalypt, retention of as many other
existing trees as practical, and an appropriate interface treatment between the car park
and the proposed museum building. Officers are also conscious of managing circulation
of traffic to and around the site utilising Durham Road, Watt Street and the rear
laneway.
Officers have submitted proposals to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to
relocate the bus stop adjacent to the proposed access to the reconfigured car park.
Negotiations are continuing and a decision pending.
The existing eucalypt will be protected during the occupation of the site for construction
of the museum by ensuring the Construction Environmental Management Plan
incorporates a Tree Protection Zone.
The final number of carparks, as well as, detailed costings, procurement and budget
allocation will be finalised once the bus stop relocation is determined, and the
engineering documentation is complete.
4. Durham Road Car Parking Management Plan – actions to resolve the
identified car parking issues
Council Officers are investigating the most effective way to improve parking efficiencies
in the area. Changes to parking restriction are yet to commence. It is considered that
the most critical time to focus on restrictions and enforcement is when construction
commences and access to the existing off-street parking will be limited. As mentioned
above, this is expected to occur with the next month.
Officers have progressed the creation of the additional 5 car parking spaces in Sun
Crescent. Works are expected to be complete and spaces available by mid-2025.
Correspondence with Minister Pearson in accordance with Council’s resolution to explore
options to address car parking concerns in the precinct, commenced in April 2024. The
response, received from Minister Brooks (Minister for Development and Minister for
Precincts), expressed congratulations and encouragement for Council and in particular
identified that the DTP:
will update Council on the scope and timelines for delivery of the Sunshine Station
masterplan and spur line project when internal planning is complete;
is exploring car parking across the Sunshine CBD which will include further local
engagement;
is reviewing the location of bus stops in Durham Road and Sun Crescent, changes
to which will be considered in the context of the VMA proposal.
Officers continue to liaise with DTP to further Council’s interest in these matters. Council
has also committed to monitor car parking impacts once the museum is open and take
action as necessary.
Community Engagement
Engagement on the plaza design
From July to September 2024, Officers undertook targeted engagement with key
external stakeholders including Wurundjeri Council; Brimbank Community Voice;

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Brimbank Youth Council; Multicultural Women’s Leadership Group; and Interfaith
Leaders.
The engagement was in the form of workshops to incorporate the ideas of welcoming
and belonging for the Traditional Owners and people from migrant backgrounds to allow
these stories and ideas to be woven into the design and to create a culturally safe space
for all.
There was an engagement session proposed with BATSICC but this was deferred to allow
a clear focus on the public art component, which was a recommendation by Council’s
First Nations office. This will be scheduled in due course.
Outcomes of the engagement are included in the report at
Attachment 2
and
summarised below.
There were four emerging themes expressing cultural commonalities:
Theme 1: First Nations first - Participants emphasized the importance of
embedding First Nations values in design to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander culture.
Theme 2: Tangible expressions of culture - Cultural expression was central, with
strong connections to memory, identity, and belonging.
Theme 3: Nature - Sustainable design should preserve nature, engage the
senses, and reflect cultural connections to water and greenery.
Theme 4: Design that enables or invites connection -Thoughtful design should
foster “third spaces” that strengthen community resilience, wellbeing, and shared
experiences.
The Concept Design will be available to the community via Council’s website and will be
incorporated into the engagement material shared with the proposed plaza’s immediate
neighbours as part of the plaza naming consultation.
Engagement on the proposed plaza name
Subject to Council’s endorsement of the name
Wominjeka Plaza
, community
engagement will be conducted within the coming months with results reported to Council
once completed.
If the name
Wominjeka
is found to be non-compliant with naming rules, approval will be
sought for consultation on an alternative name, followed by a second round of
community engagement. Council will be notified before community consultation begins.
Resource And Risk Implications
Community:
During construction of the museum, car parks and the new plaza, there will be some
disruption to the streetscape and movement of traffic and pedestrians. These will be
managed through information to the community, signage and updates on Council’s
website.
The Contractors are required to have Traffic Management Plans in place.

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Environmental:
In the new plaza, significant trees will be retained and additional vegetation will be
planted in garden beds, to create shade and increase local biodiversity.
Surface stormwater runoff will be captured in large raingardens, providing passive
irrigation for garden beds and reducing the impact of flash flooding.
Natural and resilient materials will be used for all surfaces, furniture, and fixtures to
minimise maintenance costs, enhance longevity, and reduce overall environmental
impact.
Financial:
Funding for the Museum has been provided by the Commonwealth and State
Governments, and via the VMA.
The current cost estimate for the plaza is $1.1 million. Despite a grant application and
advocacy, external funding has not yet been secured.
As construction of the Museum building will commence in March/April 2025 and the plaza
needs to be built immediately adjacent, it is proposed that Council considers potential
funding of the plaza as part of the 2025/26 Council Budget process.
The ongoing operational costs of maintaining the plaza will be calculated following
detailed design and incorporated into future Council budgets.
Council and the VMA have agreed to share the costs of the car park works, and Officers
will make allowance for this in future budgets as required. Council’s contribution is
expected to be in the order of $200,000 for this component.
Regulatory/Agreements:
The plaza’s name and the process to formalising this will comply with the requirements
of the Geographic Place Names Act (1998), as outlined in this report.
Ongoing maintenance responsibilities of the VMA Ltd and Council in relation to shared
spaces will be documented in a formal Agreement. Work on this will commence once
final designs are complete.
Safety
:
During the engagement process for the Museum and plaza design, feedback was
received about the importance of public safety in the public realm areas.
To achieve this, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
have been embedded into the design of the building and the plaza, with a focus on
maintaining clear sight lines, lighting, seating areas and design of garden beds.
Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context
This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic direction and objective of:
1. People and Community - A welcoming, safe and supported community - An
inclusive place for all

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Wellbeing and Belonging - Responsive services that support mental and physical
wellbeing
Pride and Participation - Community and cultural connections built through social
and artistic expression
2. Places and Spaces - Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support
healthy and sustainable futures - A green place for all
Liveable and Connected - Inviting and liveable spaces and facilities, connected so
people can get around
Sustainable and Green - Protect natural environments for current and future
generations
.
This report complies with the
Local Government Act 2020
,
Planning and Environment Act
1987
, Brimbank Community Engagement Policy 2021, Sunshine Priority Precinct 2050,
Brimbank Economic Development Strategy 2022, Experience Brimbank Visitor Strategy
2018 – 2023, and Sunshine Rising Action Plan 2019-2024.
Council Officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no
conflicts of interests to declare.

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Attachment 12.4.1

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Wominjeka Plaza Consultation - Emerging Themes Report 2024
Helen Rodd | Page
1
of
6
Wominjeka Plaza Consultation - Emerging Themes
Background
Four consultations were held during August
September 2024, targeting diverse community members and in
consideration of diverse perspectives within the multicultural community. They were:
1. Brimbank Community Panel
2. Brimbank Youth Council
3.
Multicultural women’s community leadership group
4. Interfaith leaders and senior men
The consultations focussed on conversations about how people feel and think about belonging and what ideas
or expressions of ‘welcome’ enable a sense of belonging.
The conversations drew upon their settlement and
cultural experiences, traditions and sense of identity.
The following discussion outlines the emerging themes and cultural commonalities expressed. Note that
extensive notes of each consultation are available as appendices.
Theme 1: First Nations first
All groups articulated respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culture, and a need to
incorporate First Nations images and values in the design to honour their central and abiding place amongst
Australia’s diverse cultures.
A request for clear recognition of First Nations as you enter the space and at the centre of the space (inferring
permission/blessing of the Traditional Owners). This is congruous with other First Nations culture
s beliefs
about respecting the traditional owners. For example, consider the Pacific region
al “family” –
there is a close
connection between Maori and Australian First Nations.
As a “Pacific family”
, this could include the link with
the museum and the Vietnamese community, with Vietnam being a Pacific-facing nation.
The idea of ‘songlines’ may be an important concept to consider in the design.
Theme 2: Tangible expressions of culture
There was much exploration and expression of culture, that highlighted key elements that spoke to memory,
connection, being and identity. One participant articulated a common thought amongst all groups:
“people
SEE the diversity captured in one place”.
Participants wanted to see recognisable, tangible elements in the
space that connects to significant material culture or symbols or enactments of culture.
“The memory doesn’t need much space to have impact”
.
A related set of ideas that emerged from all of the conversations was the metaphors of cultural stories as
songlines, as threads of connection, as a line of connection through ancestors past /present family/future
generations, or as journey pathways. The thread, the weaving through a space gathering the diverse threads,
songlines, storylines of the community. The conversation explored diversity and hybridity and the complex
enmeshment of cultures woven together.
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Attachment 12.4.2

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Wominjeka Plaza Consultation - Emerging Themes Report 2024
Helen Rodd | Page
2
of
6
Ancestors were mentioned several times in the story of their name or their migration story. Recognition of
ancestors is seen as an important cultural ritual, enacted through names, naming as a form of story-telling,
spiritual, mystical, cultural memory and cultural identity.
The following is an expression of the common key ideas for this theme and sub-themes:
Family and community
- Family is central to cultural being and identity
- A gathering space, a dwelling space where families can come together
- MUST include spaces/attractors for children and young people
o
Safe play spaces for children, includes line of sight safety, supports sensory play, supports
curiosity, interact with nature or water
o
Participants referenced the use of phone cameras for documenting life eg. including an
attractive wall mural so young people can take photos for their Instagram accounts
o
Spaces for young people to study and socialise
o
Places must include discreet space for breastfeeding mothers
- Important to include seniors/elders as well; discussed the respect for Elders in cultural values,
expressed through formal language, and in gesture (eg. who goes first)
- Inter-generational connection was important but also being connected to ancestors and to the future
(again that thread metaphor)
- Family gatherings and special foods have associated rituals
- Festivals also bring community together and foster belonging through community rituals
Culturally significant plants
- All groups expressed the significance of traditional plants that evoke strong memories of home, of
their back yard, of traditional cooking
o
Flowers
geraniums, marigolds, calendula, forget-me-nots, frangipani, rose, bougainvillea,
wattle, Syrian Rue/Esfand (for protection, the evil eye)
o
Herbs
oregano, rosemary, basil, parsley
o
Other plants
bamboo, date palm, coconut trees, pomegranate
- Flowers show up in festivals especially spring festivals, which represent hope and new beginnings
- Flowers are also an expression of beauty, memory, peace, harmony and happiness
Cultural Rituals of hospitality, welcome and belonging
-
Tea and coffee rituals
an important symbol of hospitality, mutuality, connection, conversation and
dialogue
Language
- Language is such a strong holder of culture and being
how can languages be incorporated in the
design?
- Many languages have decorative scripts
- It was stated by many that having languages present encouraged children to learn their languages (a
few participants expressed an interest in incorporating interactive screens that included languages)
-
Welcome
’ and ‘Peace’
has rich meaning in different languages
Symbols
- Religio-cultural symbols eg. Ohm is a symbol and a chant
- Peace symbols eg, Peace dove, olive branch; some suggested for
‘peace’
to be inscribed in different
languages around a communal table
- Flags of countries to represent the diversity of Brimbank; seen as a colourful and dynamic feature
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Attachment 12.4.2

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Wominjeka Plaza Consultation - Emerging Themes Report 2024
Helen Rodd | Page
3
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6
- The
Circle
is an important symbol, referencing values of equality, togetherness, hospitality
- Various other symbols were mentioned eg. Gold fish (used in Persian and Asian cultures);
Pomegranate (Persian); particular birds
Colours
-
“Our cultures celebrate colour!”
- orange, yellow, red, green (from plants)
- Blue and Royal blue (Greek, Islamic art)
Art / Sculpture / Decorative elements
Beauty in material culture is highly valued.
“Art is better than words”
.
The following is a list of the diverse artistic modalities and cultural references shared by the groups:
-
Poetry
significant for the Persian community that participated
an example was given of the poet
Saadi and their poem (about humanity) inscribed at the entrance to the United Nations building in
New York city.
-
Lanterns/lights
various cultural designs, suspended /hanging across the space (Eg. Garden of cloud
and stone precedent image
see end of document); lighting of candles is a significant ritual in many
cultures
-
Wall art
colour and beauty, cultural references, for the photo opportunity
-
Photography
including striking images of people who have played a significant role in human
imagination and struggles for justice eg. Sharbat Gula (Afghani young woman)
-
Mosaic
o
Many cultures ancient and contemporary values this art form
o
Perhaps the design could include a reference to diversity, with First Nations people at the
centre
o
Perhaps express peace symbols
-
Garden features
Terracotta pots, stone paving, wooden barrels for planters, Geraniums growing in
baskets on balconies (European reference)
-
Carpets, tapestries
and weaving, including the Toran doorway decoration (from Persian, Indian and
Burmese references)
-
Other items:
Carved wooden totem poles; Music, instruments, dance; Kites
Kite Festival in Pakistan
Migration and settlement
Mode of arrival to Australia was discussed:
- Ship/boat or aeroplane
o
Note tension with the term “boat” –
double edge for this term!
Linking the idea of new beginnings and migration
- Flowers show up in festivals especially spring festivals, which represent hope and new beginnings. The
idea of ‘new beginnings’
is intrinsic to the migration experience.
Values expressed throughout the conversations
-
Diversity as an Australian value and way of life
-
Interfaith and intercultural way of life
many spoke about the importance of connection and
dialogue between cultures and religions, in a way that describes it as a deeply held
value
and a way of
life, where community is not interpreted through a binary lens of “either
-
or” or “us
-
them” but as
“both
-
and”, as “we”, as mutuality. This value is therefore related to peace
-building.
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-
Peace and peace-building, unity
quotes from the consultation express the importance of this value -
coming together
to drink tea is like an act of peace”; “
flowers and their fragrance brings peace,
calmness and happiness”
; for some it is important to have spaces for contemplation or prayer; there is
a link between peace and wellness.
-
Opportunity and hope
migrating to Australia, coming to live in Brimbank represents new beginnings
and hope for a better future. Many spoke about the opportunities coming to Brimbank offered eg
finding/buying a home, finding work, having children, creating a new generation
-
Kindness and hospitality
o
Constant
references to “
paying it forward
, or referring to the privilege and blessings of
hospitality and mutuality and honour. Language captures this eg.
Namaste = “I bow to you”
o
Gestures of welcome/hospitality
– smiles, arms open, “come closer”,
the open door,
happiness/joy
o
Tea or coffee rituals
-
Adventurousness and curiosity
linked to the eagerness to learn more, discover shared or common
beliefs or rituals, intercultural connections and explorations.
Theme 3: Nature
Keep the existing large trees
- Beauty
- Shade, shelter
- Habitat for wildlife, inviting nature in
- Established trees signal time, permanency, give vertical depth to the site
Participants commented on the small size of the plaza footprint. However, we discussed linking the design to
Pollard Gardens as a way to extend the natural space, and to also link the larger open space of Pollard Gardens
to the intimate space of the Wominjeka Plaza space. How can these spaces woven together cohesively?
Many commented on the ideal of preserving nature through sustainable design and construction.
The group valued:
Flora
- Green spaces/nature
“take the pressures away”
- A therapeutic garden for healing and wellbeing
o
especially in relation to increased mental health issues since the COVID pandemic
o
especially in response to experiences of isolation, loneliness, racism, cost of living, wars in
different parts of the world, climate change
- Seasonal cultural festivals especially spring/new year celebrations are symbols of hope, joy, openness,
hospitality.
Fauna
- Birds and native animals - invite them in; nest boxes for possums; nests as a metaphor for home; some
birds or animals have cultural significance (Bunjil/Eagle, Waa/Raven, the nightingale)
Water
- For First Nations communities
water is life
, its an essential part of their songlines
- Australia is a coastal country
––
water is a defining feature, beach, seas, oceans, rivers
- Water also references migration
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- Water references the calming, peaceful and healing effect of running water
- Referencing local waterways
referencing the creeks and rivers nearby
- Include a water feature in the design by considering:
o
Referencing nature eg creek bed running over rocks; topographic design for creek bed
o
A pond, fountain, waterfall, mist
o
Water creatures
gold fish, yabby
Sensuality
enlivening all of the senses
Participants expressed a desire for all senses to be engaged
senses evoke powerful memories.
-
See/Visual
- Lighting - cosy lighting,
‘hygge’
, fairy lights to create ambience; incorporate important
symbolic colours (in art works, paving or plantings)
-
Smell
Incense (spiritual, relaxation, peace); Plantings
fragrant herbs, flowers
-
Sound
water bubbling, falling, flowing
-
Texture
natural paving, or white marble (Greek/Italian references)
-
Taste
evoking the taste of cultural foods eg referencing tea or coffee.
Theme 4: Design that enables or invites connection
The idea of
Bumping spaces
or
Third spaces
has emerged from community development, community
engagement and planning scholarship. These spaces contribute to the strength, resilience, health and
wellbeing of communities. Public open spaces and how they are planned and designed to encourage and
facilitate connection is critically important. All groups spoke about ways to connect people in this space
in a
sense how to operationalise the space for human connection and belonging. The following ideas reflect
participants aspirations.
Seating and tables
- Design for chilling out, resting, dwelling, connecting, studying, without the need to spend money
- Design shared spaces, intimate spaces, encourage parallel play/being together
- Consider shading over seating areas for protection/shelter from rain
- By unanimous agreement, the round table with plants in the middle (see precedent images), with
perhaps the inclusion of cultural references stamped into the design
- Bench image with light underneath was popular
playful use of light
- Comfortable seating! For young and old!
- Tiered levels, as per precedent images, was of interest
- Use colour! Eg. yellow chairs and tables (see precedent images)- create a playful space with a pop of
colour
- Different cultural boardgames were mentioned
Stage
- Design to accommodate performative culture
- The stage should encourage flexible use, consider power, wifi and device charging, and perhaps
accommodate a screen for film festivals, Seasonal festivals
Interactive elements
- Consider installing touch screen technology interpretive panels
like an outdoor museum that
includes all of the cultures in Brimbank; share local history, especially Aboriginal history; history of
migration; language and culture.
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Attachment 12.4.2

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Entrance
to signal an important threshold in to the space
a
gate
or design element that communicates
welcome, invitation to a special place.
“I want to go in there”.
Comfort and accessibility
- Toilets (older people, mothers, children, people with disabilities)
- Drinking fountain
water refill station
- Braille signage
Response to Precedent images (refer images below)
- Unanimous interest in the round planting circle
- Strong interest in the lit-up bench
- Lanterns or fairy lights
- Public art installed at different eye levels
- Flags or colourful bunting
- Signs that say welcome in different languages
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Attachment 12.4.2