Feedback guides new Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Feedback has been gathered from more than 900 First Nations peoples and communities to guide the development of the State Government’s Aboriginal Cultural Centre near Derbarl Yerrigan / Swan River.

This included 32 meetings with more than 530 participants across the Pilbara, Kimberley, Goldfields and Mid West –including one at the 2022 Yamatji OnCountry. Various thoughts on what the centre should include were given, including:

• galleries/exhibitions, performances, education/research and community and commercial opportunities

• a strong connection back to Country

• First Nations-led truth-telling, including stories of the missions, Stolen Generations and wages, and massacres

• private spaces for Elders and community to connect to Culture

• places for reflection and healing

• technology to provide opportunities for language, performance, stories and night-time activation

• outdoor spaces to have performance, bush foods and a strong connection to the river

• places for events, such as the NAIDOC Ball, community events, meeting rooms and selling authentic First Nations goods.

Over the past few months, experienced First Nations leaders living in regional Western Australia have also been sought to join as members of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee. Appointments are expected to be confirmed by the end of March.

To stay up to date on Aboriginal Cultural Centre developments, visit tinyurl.com/aboriginalcentre or email ACC@dlgsc.wa.gov.au .