Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) is finding truth in the saying ‘home is not a place, it’s a feeling’, after making a move to their new digs on Macedon Street.
Now located in the Old Sunbury Courthouse, SAC executive officer Raquel Stewart is excited for the launch even for their new home, happening on Saturday, March 4, which will also celebrate their sixth birthday.
Ms Stewart said since their move, and even though they are still on the same street, they’ve been more visible to the community, prompting people they’ve never connected with to drop in.
“We quickly outgrew where we were and needed somewhere larger where we could run things on site and have more than a couple of people there at a time,” she said.
SAC advises, advocates and supports local First Nations community members, running programs like a youth group and a supported playgroup, with youth dance workshops and homework clubs to come.
Ms Stewart described the old building as a beautiful one they’d put a lot of time and effort into making “come alive” and comfortable for community members.
She said while there had been discussions about whether the court house could be a symbol of negativity for some First Nations people, SAC were keen to make positive things come out of the place.
“Most of the community members who have come down have been really impressed with the space and what we’ll be able to do here,” she said.
The community open day, running 10.30am to 12.30pm, will include an opening from Hume mayor Joseph Haweil, a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, a flag raising, a First Nations performance and light lunch.
Details: www.facebook.com/sunburyaboriginalgroup
Elsie Lange
