About Us
However, there was nothing done to improve the situation until 1957. In 1958 The Aboriginal Welfare Board and Housing Commission erected ten prefabricated houses which were constructed entirely of concrete and
consisted of 3 small bedrooms, a small living area, no hot water or sewerage. On April 11, 1958 the Housing project was officially opened and named “RUMBALARA” (meaning rainbow) by Chief Secretary MR Arthur Rylah.
There were ten families who were first housed at the site. In 1967 hot water and sewerage were installed and the houses were extended by the addition of a bathroom, lavatory and laundry constructed in brick. Rumbalara was not intended as permanent housing but as a stage in the plan to re-house our people within the wider community. By 1969 most local families had been re-housed and with no further use Rumbalara closed and remained so for some five years. In the early 1970s the Goulburn Murray Aboriginal Cooperative fought and opposed the selling of Rumbalara to a youth group. Through much persistence and pressure on both State & Federal Governments, Rumbalara was sold to the Cooperative for a nominal sum. With the “Title” in their hands the way was now clear to establish a place where our Community people could meet for cultural and social activities as well as provide education, information and support in areas of special need such as health, housing, welfare and culture.
