Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place Association





Click the turning pages for a history lesson

Founding Chairperson - Colleen Marion





White Flame Award 2005

Every year, Save the Children Victoria presents the White Flame Award to a Victorian citizen, in recognition of the dedication, commitment and achievements in serving the needs and rights of children. The 2005 White Flame Award was presented to Colleen Marion, a prominent Indigenous community leader in Melbourne's west and the first Indigenous woman in Victoria to receive the award. Colleen's commitment and passion to protect the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children is reflected throughout her career as a Youth Worker and spokesperson for the Indigenous community. Colleen was instrumental in establishing the Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place. It is the first Aboriginal organisation to be established in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.

Victorian Recognition Award 2006

Each year the Victorian National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) presents the Victorian Recognition Award in recognition of work and achievements in the Victorian Aboriginal Community. The Victorian Recognition Award was presented to Colleen Marion. This award is in recognition of Colleen's work and dedication to the Victorian Aboriginal community in the western suburbs.

An Inspirational Woman

Colleen Marion was raised in a very small outback town of Augathella, 50 kilometres from Charleville, southwest Queensland. Colleen moved to Melbourne in 1971, a single mother raising five children. During the 1980's Colleen worked in various State and Commonwealth departments and for many years worked at Baltara Detention Centre as a youth worker. Her passion for children and young people's rights and wellbeing has continued to grow over the years.
Colleen once said, "Having been brought up in a large family in remote Queensland, living in a tin hut, I loved the fact that our family spoke our language, hunted our own food and lived traditionally. All aboriginal kids should experience that lifestyle".
Colleen's ongoing passion for her people is exceptional and is the force behind the success of The Gathering Place. Her determination to see improved outcomes for the Indigenous Community, particularly the young people, has been the catalyst for significant improvements, all of which can be attributed to Colleen's involvement.
Colleen is an inspirational Aboriginal woman, very caring and sincere, who is always looking out for the best interests of Aboriginal people. She is a beautiful person with a big heart.