A traditional smoking ceremony will be held today to cleanse Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation’s Wanniassa site, following demolition of the old facility.

The youth organisation has helped local Indigenous people since 1992, providing culturally specific and safe programs and services. It received $425,000 in 2021 and additional ACT Government funding last year to design the new building in Wanniassa and submit a development application.

This ceremony signifies the next major milestone in the delivery of the purpose-built facility for Gugan Gulwan.

“Commencement of site works will mark an important step in delivering a building that will support Gugan Gulwan, its incredible staff, and their vital work supporting Canberra’s First Nations children, young people and families,” Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, said.

Gugan Gulwan’s new home will deliver expanded services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families in a familiar setting.

Key features will include a reception area, staff workspaces, youth work and homework spaces, function and exhibition spaces, art and music facilities and indoor and outdoor play areas.

“For more than 30 years Gugan Gulwan has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families in the ACT to thrive and succeed,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“An expanded purpose-built facility will ensure Gugan Gulwan can continue to provide these excellent services to meet the needs of the community into the future.”

The outcome of the tender process to construct the facility will be announced in the coming weeks.

The design of the new facility was informed by consultation with individuals and families with connections and links to Gugan Gulwan. The ACT community also had the chance to have their say on the project through a public consultation process.

In preparation for development of the new facility, Gugan Gulwan has temporarily relocated to Erindale Business Park, 2 Lansell Circuit, Wanniassa.

“The ACT Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to strengthen and grow, enabling them to deliver more services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“We know Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations have unique expertise and are best placed to provide culturally safe services and to work with families in ways that best support their needs.