Galkangu Bendigo GovHub open for business
04/09/2023The Victorian Government has delivered on its promise to create hundreds of jobs for Bendigo locals with the opening of the newly completed Galkangu Bendigo GovHub.
The building is backed by a $133 million investment from the Victorian Government.
Workers have now moved into the GovHub, which can cater for up to 1,000 Victorian Government and City of Greater Bendigo Council staff, giving locals a one-stop-shop for government services.
Galkangu has created more than 200 jobs during construction and another 1200 have been supported up to completion. The project is expected to inject $131 million into the local economy a year through flow-on benefits.
The project team led by Regional Development Victoria, Development Victoria and builders Icon Fairbrother have worked alongside DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and Traditional Owners on the project.
The building’s exterior incorporates a frit pattern façade based on the diamond pattern of the Dja Dja Wurrung shield, representing the values of respect, recognition, reconciliation and self-determination. The façade is designed by Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta and Jaru artist Natasha Carter.
The state-of-the-art GovHub also features a 6-Star Green Star Rating for design and includes energy efficient indoor air-quality systems, solar panels, water and energy monitoring systems and a sustainable timber frame. The building is located at the former site of the City of Greater Bendigo Council’s Lyttleton Terrace offices.
Galkangu is from the Dja Dja Wurrung language and means “build together, we make together, make things happen together, more connected to Country.” The name was selected after consultation with Traditional Owners and Geographic Names Victoria.
It is one of three GovHubs backed by the Victorian Government to improve the way communities access public services, boost local economies and provide better career opportunities in Bendigo, Ballarat and Latrobe Valley.