Delivered by fixed price Lump Sum after competitive tender, this $4m facility located in Gippsland was completed in September 2008 for the Department of Justice.
The Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place was a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and the indigenous community.
The facility is located at the former Won Wron Prison site in Gippsland, Victoria and 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.
Kane Constructions was appointed preferred contractor in late 2007 with the project being over budget. The Kane project team worked closely with the client and consultant team to identify cost savings that enabled the project to proceed.
The project scope included:
- Demolition of the existing Won Wron Prison main buildings
- Provision of Aboriginal Learning Place facilities, which included separate Common Building, Learning Building and Administration Building, including adjacent paths and landscaping
- Provision of three independent Men’s Units, with accommodation for six people, including showers and disabled facilities
- Upgrade existing services to meet currend Codes
- Civil works including a new bridge and re-surfacing of existing roads servicing the new facilities
The distinctive timber cladding was sourced from the local mill to achieve the look and feel required for an Aboriginal Learning Place. Radial sawn weatherboards were used on the three Administration buildings with a shiplap hardwood used on the Men’s Unit.
The facility has been a tremendous success and Kane is proud to have worked with the Department of Justice and Vincent Chrisp Architects in delivering this culturally relevant building which holds appeal for the local indigenous community.