A vibrant new community space giving young Aboriginal people on the South Coast the tools to succeed as part of the Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council’s (LALC) new home, is now officially open.

Mogo LALC was awarded more than $2.9 million through the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, after their offices were destroyed by fires that swept through Mogo in December 2019.

The new two-storey building boasts cultural and functional spaces with an exhibition area, café and commercial kitchen bringing the community together on the ground floor.

Upstairs meeting rooms on the mezzanine level will be available for hire, offering a fresh space for the community to gather, learn and celebrate.

The 2019 bushfires were devastating for the Mogo LALC, destroying not just their building but also equipment, data from important bush regeneration work and irreplaceable artefacts.

This new structure marks another milestone in Mogo’s ongoing social and economic recovery, offering the community new opportunities and an improved economic future.

Quotes attributable to Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Linda Carson:

“It has been such a difficult time since the fires, but this building brings new hope and energy for all of the community.

“This building gives the Mogo Aboriginal community a home, a place where we can meet, paint, sculpt and support each other.

“With its commercial kitchen and café space, meeting rooms and exhibition space it also provides the bedrock for the Land Council’s economic future.

“It is the young people of our community that are our future, and this building says to them that we have a bright and meaningful future, it is more than just bricks and mortar.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips:

“I’m pleased that I could help restore this vital community building, which will not only help Mogo’s ongoing recovery efforts but provides a space for community and cultural connection.

“The Albanese Government is working with local councils and the Minns Government to deliver essential recovery projects across Gilmore that rebuild community spaces and enhance the economic prospects for those devastated by extreme weather events. 

“Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council had the initiative, resilience, and dedication to complete this project. I am delighted by how far along they have come on their recovery journey and to see the potential of this space for the community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“The design of the new Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council building symbolises the resilience of this community and will act as a foundation for building a strong future for Aboriginal people on the South Coast.

“With its doors now open, this new space is set to become the beating heart of Mogo, fostering growth, cultural pride, and skills development among the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.

“The NSW Government is backing community projects like the new Mogo LALC building that bring people together, assist tourism, encourage business recovery and boost preparedness for future bushfires.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“The new Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council building has risen from the ashes following the December 2019 bushfires.”

“This beautiful new building has breathed life back into the Mogo Aboriginal community.”

“The former Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council building was a vibrant centre with generational memories of family gatherings and local community business.”

“The new building represents a future home for the Mogo Aboriginal community thanks to the cooperation of the Australian and New South Wales Governments, and the Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council.”