The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton opened on 7 August 2024 with a ceremony embracing the education, sport and public gathering space as a significant hub for learning, community engagement and cultural pride.
A Welcome to Country preceded speeches from deputy chair of all-First Peoples board Munarra Limited Uncle Paul Briggs and Minister for Treaty and First Peoples the Natalie Hutchins.
"The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence and the Rumbalara Football Netball Club are so unique, they are nation leading. I am excited and optimistic about this investment's potential to deliver the future to Yorta Yorta and other First Nations including the people of south-eastern Australia," said Uncle Briggs.
Upgrades to the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club and creation of a new community and academic building followed a co-design process between Munarra Limited, ARM Architecture and landscape architect Bush Projects.
Evoking the Aboriginal flag when viewed from above, the new building features a central circular courtyard, indoor/outdoor learning verandah and firepit - all developed in close collaboration with stakeholders.
The new structure also incorporates the Nanyak Wall, a photographic representation of the community's history that extends into the landscape and connects to the existing club site.
Club upgrades include new netball facilities, renovated clubrooms and a unifying canopy in the Rumbalara logo's colours to reinforce community identity.
Munarra Limited oversaw the project and will manage the future operations of the centre as a place of learning, cultural celebration and community gathering.
