The Ballarat GovHub is the region’s first building to officially recognise one of its most important Traditional Owners, naming a key part of the project after esteemed Wadawurrung Ancestor, Catobeen.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today toured the soon-to-be-completed GovHub and announced the culturally significant name of the building’s public space.

The Andrews Labor Government has worked in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, who also took part in the tour, along with representatives from the City of Ballarat and GovHub tenant groups.

The new name of the public space on the ground floor, The Catobeen Building, officially recognises Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and reflects the civic importance of the space.

Today’s Wadawurrung Traditional Owners are members of seven family groups, the descendants of their apical Ancestor, John Robinson. John was the son of Catobeen, also known as Queen Mary of Ballarat.

The GovHub is on track for completion early next year and once officially opened, The Catobeen Building will serve as a community venue that can be used as a café, gallery space, live music venue or gathering space.

The Ballarat GovHub will be home to up to 1000 Government employees, including up to 600 new and relocated public sector positions. The project has generated up to 500 jobs during construction, many of which have been to local Ballarat businesses.

The Labor Government has invested $100 million in the project, which is being delivered in partnership with Development Victoria. An additional $50 million has been contributed to support the relocation of Victorian public service positions to Ballarat.

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

I’m so proud that GovHub’s public space will honour the Ancestor of the Wadawurrung People, and in doing so acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as custodians of this land with an ancient, enduring and ongoing connection to Country.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This project is part of the transformation of the city, and to involve the Traditional Owners in such a significant way is another example of how we are making Ballarat a better place to work, rest and visit.”

Quote attributable to Paul Davis, CEO of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

“The naming of this new building is a deserving gesture in not only recognising Ballarat’s rich Wadawurrung heritage over tens of thousands of years but also tells an important story about the resilience of Wadawurrung People.”