By Prealene Khera
A proposed courtyard which will be built adjacent to the country’s first Vietnamese museum in Sunshine, is expected to be named Wominjeka Plaza by Brimbank council.
As works get underway on the museum at Durham Road, council has also ramped up its plans for the plaza, which while complementing the cultural centre will also be a “destination in its own right”.
According to the report tabled at a March 18 council meeting, the concept design for the multi-purpose space has now been completed, with current estimates indicating it’ll cost $1.1 million to develop.
“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 report said.
The plaza’s initial design could address several concerns during engagement, including improvement to public safety and potential reduction of existing antisocial behaviour in the vicinity, recognition of all refugee and migrant communities and a potential economic stimulus for local businesses.
Council is proposing the new courtyard be named Wominjeka Plaza after it was recommended by Wurundjeri Elders during the design consultation process.
Wominjeka means ‘welcome’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, and according to the report there have been no objections to the proposed name during the consultation.
However, the council will undertake community engagement before finalising the name.
Councillor Lucy Nguyen said it was an honour council had been granted permission to use the name.
“This plaza space has been designed to sensitively embrace and celebrate indigenous culture and to be a place to welcome all communities to Brimbank and Melbourne,” she said.
“[Wominjeka Plaza] is such a fitting name for a place of welcome, right next to the Vietnamese Museum Australia.
“As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, my family certainly felt really welcomed and I wish that many diverse groups will continue to feel welcome to Brimbank.”
Community engagement will be conducted within the coming months.
