The release of a proposed agreement area this week signals the end is in sight.

By the end of the year, there could be a native title agreement that would offer formal recognition and enhanced rights for the region’s traditional owners.

There will be some in the community who question the validity of such an agreement, others will wonder why it has taken so long.

An agreement will signal progress and offer benefits for the broader community.

The Dja Dja Wurrung people hope to build a multi-million dollar facility in Bendigo if their claim is approved.

The facility would act as yet another tourism attraction that draws people to the city.

This would bring with it cultural and economic enhancements for Bendigo that would spread throughout the community.

Bendigo is continuing to grow and this development is sure to create jobs both during the construction phase and its ongoing management.

The proposed facility would also showcase the region’s history and preserve artefacts still in existence.

It is time for the community to come together, to put aside past problems and move forward as one.

It is important that we recognise the cultures and traditions that have existed in our community for hundreds of years.

Bendigo has a vibrant mix of indigenous and international cultures.

Bringing all of them together is only going to make this a better place to live.