The Victorian Government’s Galkangu Bendigo GovHub opened in September 2023, giving more Bendigo residents better access to government services in the heart of the city centre.
The $133 million GovHub brings together a range of government services previously provided at multiple locations in and around Bendigo.
The building accommodates up to 1,000 City of Greater Bendigo and Victorian Government workers - creating a one-stop-shop for government services for locals while building a stronger public sector presence in Bendigo.
The project team led by Regional Development Victoria, Development Victoria and builders Icon Fairbrother worked alongside DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and Traditional Owners.
More than 200 new local jobs were supported during construction, with another 1,000 jobs supported through the supply chain.
The building features a 6-Star Green Star Rating for sustainable design and includes energy efficient indoor air-quality systems, solar panels, water and a sustainable timber frame.
A civic forecourt on Lyttleton Terrace and a pocket park on Mundy Street connects the GovHub to its surrounds and act as a community meeting point.
Meaning of Galkangu
Galkangu [pron: gull-kang-goo] means "we make things happen together and are more connected to Country."
The façade of Galkangu symbolises the values of Respect, Recognition, Reconciliation and Self-determination.
The diamond pattern from the Djaara shield represents the historic Recognition and Settlement Agreement 2013, honour, protection, and identity, creating a sense of responsibility for present and future generations.
The diamond pattern is a common motif of the Dja Dja Wurrung, used to identify each other.
The pattern can be seen on both the giramal (shields) as well as on coolamons and gani (digging sticks).
The layers in the background of the artwork reference the six layers of Country and the six Seasons of Dja Dja Wurrung Country. The background semi-circle pattern represents the People.
The message is that: people need to be in and a part of the landscape, and that the DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung People) hold a deep connection to Djandak (Country) spanning many generations.
When people are looking out through the windows, they will also see people in the landscape. The dotted lines represent pathways and the steps taken across Country. This feature artwork is a pathway to reconciliation.
The name was chosen after extensive consultation with the Dja Dja Wurrung, their Elders and Geographic Names Victoria.
The façade design was created by Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta and Jaru artist, Natasha Carter.
Bendigo GovHub main building demolition with Smoking Ceremony
Highlights
- Adress: 95-229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo, Victoria
- $133 million project
- 200 jobs during construction
- up to 1000 workers co-located in the GovHub
- $131 million boost to the local economy.