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Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place

The Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and the indigenous community. Opened in September 2008 at the former Won Wron Prison site in Gippsland, Victoria, it is a culturally appropriate 'learning place' for indigenous men undertaking community based orders.

A live-in program, which can accommodate up to 20 men at one time, the Learning Place is an initiative of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement. It is part of the Victorian Government's response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991). Residents can volunteer to attend or may be directed there by the courts.

The Learning Place program

The program aims to help reduce the dramatic over-representation of indigenous people in Victoria's criminal justice system. The focus is on life skills to improve overall health, and reduce substance abuse if needed, improve job prospects and reduce the likelihood of re-offending in the future. Programs include local land care and community art, cooking and parenting workshops.

Elders provide leadership and communicate traditional cultural values. This is in keeping with the name 'Wulgunggo Ngalu'. Taken from the local Aboriginal language (Gunai/Kurnai), Wulgunggo means 'which way' and Ngalu means 'together'.

The Place

The local Indigenous community and indigenous architects were consulted by the Department of Justice Infrastructure Services team to help develop a culturally relevant building which holds appeal for the local indigenous community.