Victoria’s first arts and cultural tourism hub for First Nations People has signed the lease on their new home in the Bendigo Mall.

DUMAWUL is a social enterprise for Dja Dja Wurrung creatives developed by DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and is designed to support local Indigenous people to develop their creative skills and use their unique cultural knowledge to build sustainable businesses and access new income opportunities.

The enterprise will move into the former Cotton On building at 273-277 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo, after undertaking renovations to provide an art studio, training rooms and a creative hub.

The McKean McGregor Commercial and Industrial team, have played a key role in leasing the space and are excited about this project. Alex O’Shea, McKean McGregor leasing manager said "Transforming a former retail space into an arts and culture hub in Bendigo is an exciting endeavour. With 944m2 of floor space across 2 floors, there is ample room for current development and future expansion." 

Rodney Carter Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO added “It is a very exciting time that our DUMAWUL can find an initial home to be present at Central Victoria to individually promote its exciting brand. We are proudly growing our businesses beyond expectations.”

DUMAWUL is currently located in The Engine Room at 58 View Street, Bendigo and has quickly outgrown the space with the success of the recent arts festival Malamiya Mang, and the rapidly increasing interest in their Djaara Cultural Competency Programs.

Business Manager Leanne Rose-Munro advised “This space will ensure that we are able to continue to support Djaara People to find commercial independence and new markets for their products and talents”

Djaara-led tours are also underway throughout the Bendigo CBD and are being developed within significant cultural locations across the region.

“Our Djaara immersive tours are our first Cultural Tourism product, which has been strongly supported by Bendigo Tourism as a highly desirable experience for visitors” added Leanne.. “Our new space will help us to develop more products and services for residents and visitors to experience”

More information about the tours and the Djaara Cultural Competency Program can be found at www.djaaratours.com.au