A brand new, state of the art hub has arrived in Geelong (Wadawurrung Country), providing a much-needed space for championing the diverse works of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Murran was born from national Indigenous charity organisation Nagrrimili, which was founded in 2018 to offer free support to First Nations businesses. After hosting a pop-up stall in Geelong’s Westfield shopping centre over NAIDOC Week in 2020, the team decided they needed a more permanent space that was owned and operated exclusively by Indigenous people.

‘There isn’t anything like it in the region, let alone the state,’ Ngarrimili co-founder and director Cormach Evans says.

The Murran business, retail and arts hub opened on the ground floor of Westfield in December of last year. It includes a retail store selling First Nations products; a gallery selling and showcasing artwork from various Indigenous creatives; a cafe; a co-working space with hot desking opportunities; meeting rooms; an events space and more.

The name Murran is translated to ‘eucalypt leaf’ in Wadawurrung language and was generously gifted to Nagrrimili by Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles as the name for the hub. In the first exhibition at the new space, the gallery showcased works from emerging Noongar, Ngapuhi and NgatiTuwharetoa artist Kiri Tawhai — a multimedia artist and storyteller.

But the gallery will also feature artwork from emerging creatives, both local and from across the nation, such as a collection of works currently showing from the Marrawuddi Arts Centre in Jabiru, Northern Territory. You can also support other First Nations businesses by purchasing clothing from the likes of House of Darwin and Gammin Threads, or food and drinks from brands such as Sobah, a non-alcoholic beer created by Aboriginal entrepreneurs.

Plus, keep an eye out for Murran’s lineup of fabulous events — from live music to paint and sip classes, creative workshops and more!

‘Wadawurrung Country is the quickest growing regional town in Victoria but also where the journey all started,’ Cormach adds. ‘I always wanted to give back to where I grew up and where people supported me.’

Find out more about Murran — and shop online — here! 

Murran First Nations Hub
Ground Floor, Westfield Shopping Centre
143-157 Malop Street
Geelong, VIC 3220