I’ve pondered why and realised that the occasion and what it signified was so much greater than something just words could capture. 

Rather, it felt like a sacred celebratory time. Sacred in the sense of marking a significant occasion in such a thoughtful, respectful and genuine manner. 

It was much more than the official opening of just a bricks and mortar building. 

The stunning architectural and design concepts speak for themselves. What I also strongly captured was the underpinning narrative and essence of community and heritage threaded through the transformation of such a significant indigenous site and former jail. 

Ulumbarra means "gathering together" in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.  

How affirming to know the Dja Dja Wurrung and Chinese Association had involvement in the development and to witness the respect that traditional meaning and ceremony had in the opening.  

It felt like we were rightfully guests of the traditional owners of the land, hearing their stories, catching a glimpse of the essence of “place” and the spirit of the land. 

Jack Charles and David Bridie and his musical team created an amazingly moving, informative and celebratory welcoming ceremony that both hushed and roused the audience.  

We journeyed together in the true meaning of the word Ulumbarra, revealing what had gone before and catching a glimpse of what might be possible in the future.

Would the opening have been different if the name of the theatre was different?  I think so. Thank you to those who chose a name with such meaning, allowing discovery of the rich history of  “place” vividly depicted through images, words and music. 

A history that includes struggle, hardship, grief and pain alongside tenacity, opportunity, generosity and new beginnings. As a community we can now proudly embrace the new beginnings that will be experienced at Ulumbarra. 

Congratulations to the myriad people involved in the complex and time pressured planning and implementation and also proud acknowledgement of the unique partnerships across levels of government, education, departments and cultural groups within our community, bringing to fruition a wonderful state-of-the-art, historically inclusive facility... all from just a creative idea!  

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