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

The name wat djerring, meaning ‘we together’, was chosen after consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWWCHAC).

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

The name is pronounced “wot jerring” – the ‘dj’ sound is not known in the English language but is a combination of the two sounds. They are pronounced together, but there is more emphasis on the ‘j’. The name is displayed in lower case lettering, with no initial capitalisation.

The new name is complimented with 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.

Only the name has changed opening hours and service to help find lost pets remains the same.

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/animalfacility

Location: 20 Companion Place, Epping (previously known as Pound Road)

Phone: 8401 6200

Opening hours:

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

Closed on Christmas Day, Anzac Day and Good Friday.