An Aboriginal Gathering Place is a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal people to gather, meet and to establish a connection to each other and local culture. This space provides an opportunity for the development of community-led and driven cultural programs which will enhance cultural identity, social inclusion and improved health and wellbeing.


The purpose of the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place is:

  • To provide a space for the Kingston Koorie Mob to meet, and to learn about and celebrate their cultural heritage. The space will offer the Kingston Koorie Mob a sense of belonging and community, and provide respect for their identity and culture;
  • To be a place of welcome for Aboriginal community members where they can connect, learn skills, learn from Aboriginal Elders and Traditional Owners, share cultural heritage and hear about local cultural history. It will be a space for creating dialogue and education around health and wellbeing for all ages of Aboriginal participants to close the gap in health, educational and economic outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people; and
  • To be a resource for the broader Kingston community to learn about Aboriginal culture, to promote Aboriginal cultural heritage and to strengthen community connections and connections to Traditional Owners.

The Gathering Place is located at 199 Beach Rd Mordialloc on the foreshore and is co-located with the Mordialloc Life Saving Club.

Events include:

  • Planting days and clean up the beach program
  • Open days
  • Mums and Bubs
  • Cultural training with Caroline Martin
  • Closing the Gap morning tea
  • Smoking ceremony with N’Aweet elder Aunty Carolyn Briggs
  • Reconciliation and NAIDOC week celebrations