Strengthening inclusion through Nairm Marr Djambana initiatives

Published on 03 November 2025

Frankston City Council has strengthened its commitment to cultural inclusion by granting a 50-year lease to Nairm Marr Djambana (NMD). This significant milestone will support the organisation to deliver its long-term vision for the site.

Housed within Jubilee Park, Nairm Marr Djambana (which means ‘gathering by the bay’) is a community-led meeting place for the First Nations community, offering culturally safe programs and activities that promote health, wellbeing, education, and cultural connection. The organisation plays a vital role in fostering social inclusion, building resilience, and strengthening community ties.

NMD CEO Deb Mellet OAM welcomed the decision by Council.

“A fifty-year lease is more than land — it’s a promise that our culture, our stories, and our children’s children will always have a place to belong. It anchors our past, empowers our present, and ignites hope for a strong and self-determined future,” she said.

“We celebrate the leadership of Frankston City Council for recognising the importance of this place — and for walking alongside our community in a spirit of respect, reconciliation, and shared hope.”

Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP said Council’s decision to lease the site to NMD for 50 years aligns with its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Traditional Owners to enhance social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

"We are now in the process of working through the details of the lease with NMD to ensure that it also supports the Jubilee Park Master Plan and other community uses in the park,” he said.

“This is an important decision for Council that we hope will benefit the local indigenous community as well as the broader community by facilitating ongoing community connection.

“Providing a dedicated gathering place for our Indigenous community is essential, and this fulfills the vision set in motion over a decade ago.”

As part of this commitment, Council is also delivering stage 1A of the NMD master plan in partnership with the Australian Government.

The $950,00 project, which is due for completion early next year, includes a new multipurpose community building.

Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea said:

“The Australian Government is proud to support projects like this that honour First Nations culture and create inclusive spaces. Investing in Nairm Marr Djambana is investing in community connection and reconciliation, all values that matter deeply to our region.”

Cr Emily Green said both initiatives represent a key milestone in Council’s work with the local First Nations community.

“This is the start of more exciting things to come for Nairm Marr Djambana to support their community to build a sustainable, self-reliant, and self-determining future,” she said.

“As part our engagement on the new Council and Well-being Plan we asked our community about Council's initiatives that strengthen respect and value of diversity, social inclusion, and mental wellbeing, and 93% of respondents wanted Council to maintain or increase its focus.

“These initiatives are an example of just that, and we look forward to continuing to work with NMD to support this — for everyone’s benefit.”

For more information about Nairm Marr Djambana, visit: djambana.org.au

To learn more about Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), visit: frankston.vic.gov.au