Murnong First People's Gathering Place

With a long history of action on social justice issues, the people of St. Oswald’s, led by our former priest Uncle Glenn Loughrey, became increasingly aware of the need to support local Aboriginal people and educate those in the wider community on matters of First Nations importance.

Murnong First People's Gathering Place (MFPGP) has responded to this real and growing need in Boroondara, providing a safe, welcoming space where Aboriginal people can gather, and where non-Indigenous community members can engage with Aboriginal history, culture, and contemporary issues through education and shared experience.

Situated at 100 High Street, the Centre hosts the Murnong Aboriginal Gallery and the Wominjeka Garden. Murnong Gathering Place is an Aboriginal-led organisation, incorporated under ORIC in 2024.

The Centre hosts several First Nation organisations who run activities on site for First Nations people living with in the Eastern region of Melbourne.

Education sessions for kindergarten, primary, secondary students and community groups are held regularly, as are gathering events, healthy food events in the Garden, Caring for Country, and art exhibitions involving both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants.

MFPGP Objectives

The objectives of the Centre/MFPGP are as follows:

• To create and be recognised as a safe gathering place for First Nations people in the inner east region of Melbourne, the only one of its kind in the region, and a vital space for Indigenous children and families.
• To connect with and increase participation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents in MFPGP activities, including art, education, and learning about Indigenous health, safety, and contemporary issues.
• To directly increase inclusion and representation of Aboriginal people in both the activities and the management of the MFPGP, addressing the significant under-representation of First Nations voices in local community life.
• To assist and help build a profile for Aboriginal groups and individuals in our community, giving Aboriginal and other people new skills and cultural opportunities, including children in local inner east schools and families with whom connections are already established.
• To build on existing and new partnerships with Aboriginal and other local organisations, including local councils, schools, community centres, and networks such as the Koorie Education Co-ordinators (KEC) supporting Aboriginal children in local schools.

For more information about the Murnong First Peoples’ Gathering Place, to volunteer or to attend Centre events, feel free to contact the Centre Coordinator Susan Vincent on 0432 367 307 or mfpgpgi@gmail.com, or on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

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