Frankston City Council strengthens commitment to reconciliation
Frankston City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation and inclusion by granting a 50-year lease to Nairm Marr Djambana (NMD) — a significant step towards supporting the organisation’s long-term vision for its site at Jubilee Park.
Nairm Marr Djambana, meaning “gathering by the bay,” is a community-led meeting place for the First Nations community that offers culturally safe programs promoting health, wellbeing, education, and cultural connection.
Nairm Marr Djambana to deliver long-term community programs
Chief Executive Officer Deb Mellet OAM welcomed Council’s decision, describing it as a milestone for the organisation and the wider Aboriginal community.
“A fifty-year lease is more than land — it’s a promise that our culture, our stories, and our children’s children will always have a place to belong. It anchors our past, empowers our present, and ignites hope for a strong and self-determined future,” Ms Mellet said.
“We celebrate the leadership of Frankston City Council for recognising the importance of this place — and for walking alongside our community in a spirit of respect, reconciliation, and shared hope.”
Frankston City Council lease aligns with Reconciliation Action Plan
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the lease aligns with Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and its broader commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Traditional Owners.
“We are now in the process of working through the details of the lease with NMD to ensure that it also supports the Jubilee Park Master Plan and other community uses in the park,” Cr Bolam said.
“This is an important decision for Council that we hope will benefit the local Indigenous community as well as the broader community by facilitating ongoing community connection.
“Providing a dedicated gathering place for our Indigenous community is essential, and this fulfils the vision set in motion over a decade ago.”
Federal and Council partnership delivers new community building
As part of this commitment, Council is delivering stage 1A of the Nairm Marr Djambana master plan in partnership with the Australian Government. The $950,000 project, expected to be completed early next year, includes a new multipurpose community building.
Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea said the Australian Government was proud to support the project.
“The Australian Government is proud to support projects like this that honour First Nations culture and create inclusive spaces,” Ms Belyea said.
“Investing in Nairm Marr Djambana is investing in community connection and reconciliation, all values that matter deeply to our region.”
Council and community working together for inclusion
Councillor Emily Green said both initiatives mark a major milestone in Council’s partnership with the local First Nations community.
“This is the start of more exciting things to come for Nairm Marr Djambana to support their community to build a sustainable, self-reliant, and self-determining future,” Cr Green said.
“As part our engagement on the new Council and Well-being Plan we asked our community about Council’s initiatives that strengthen respect and value of diversity, social inclusion, and mental wellbeing, and 93% of respondents wanted Council to maintain or increase its focus.
“These initiatives are an example of just that, and we look forward to continuing to work with NMD to support this — for everyone’s benefit.”
For more information about Nairm Marr Djambana, visit djambana.org.au, or to learn more about Frankston City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, visit frankston.vic.gov.au.
