New name for Epping Animal Welfare Facility

Published on 07 July 2023

The Epping Animal Welfare Facility has a new name; wat djerring Animal Facility. 

wat djerring, meaning ‘we together’, was chosen after consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and reinforces the connection with the animals and the important role the facility plays in reuniting pets with their owners and finding them new homes. 

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the new name represented a new era for the facility, which was relaunched last year under the management of the City of Whittlesea, in partnership with Merri-bek and Darebin Councils. 

“The facility operates as the pound for three councils, and we wanted a more inclusive name that acknowledged the cultural heritage of the land on which the facility is located and reflected the purpose of the facility; to reconnect people with their pets and to give animals a fresh start,” Lydia said. 

“The new name pronounced ‘wot jerring’, really captures the strong values our community places on pet ownership and in so doing helps to bring to life the vision for a new beginning for the facility. While the name has changed, the great service provided to our pets at the facility has not.” 

The new name is complemented by a compelling new visual brand designed by Aboriginal artist De Greer-Yindimincarlie at YindiArtz that represents how an animal, despite the challenges of its journey can flourish and thrive with love and care. 

Both Darebin and Merri-bek Mayors have also welcomed the renaming of the facility.  

“Darebin is proud of the united work our councils are doing to provide refuge and a new life to so many animals in need throughout our communities, and in conjunction with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, are delighted to also acknowledge the traditional custodians of our land through the new naming of wat djerring Animal Facility,” said Darebin Mayor Julie Williams. 

“The new name for the wat djerring Animal Facility acknowledges the cultural heritage of the land and reflects that this service reunites pets with community members and gives animals a fresh start,” said Merri-bek Mayor Cr Angelica Panopoulos. 

wat djerring Animal Facility 
20 Companion Place, Epping 8401 6200 
AnimalFacility@whittlesea.vic.gov.au 

Opening hours: 

• Monday - 10am to 4pm
• Tuesday - 10am to 4pm
• Wednesday - 12pm to 6.30pm 
• Thursday - 10am to 4pm 
• Friday - 10am to 4pm 
• Weekends and public holidays - 10am to 2pm 

Closed on Christmas Day, Anzac Day, and Good Friday. 

For more information, go to wat djerring Animal Facility webpage.