Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee communique 3

The April 2022 Steering Committee meeting marks the first of the Noongar language classes delivered by Cynthia Garlett from the Noongar Language Centre. Lessons will continue through to December.

Language is at the heart of the connection between people, place, and culture. Learning Noongar language will provide an opportunity for the Steering Committee and Project Team members to share and build cultural knowledge in a meaningful way.

Joining the language lesson and the Steering Committee meeting were senior representatives from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications who travelled to Perth to participate as our partners in the Australian Government’s Perth City Deal.

Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cultural Authority Sub-Committee

Whadjuk members held their first Sub-Committee meeting in relation to potential sites for location of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre on Whadjuk country. 

The Sub-Committee, together with the Steering Committee Chair, Sabine Winton MLA, and members of the Project Team were briefed on the cultural significance, connections and history that links Aboriginal people to this landscape for a number of sites in the Perth central business district.

The group concluded the day at Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park), reflecting on the briefing session on day 1 and the site tour on day 2.

Members of the Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cultural Authority Sub Committee, Chair of the Steering Committee and ACC Project Team members at Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park).

Members (left to right): Beverley Port Lois (WACCCA), Carly Lane (ACC project team), Cheryl Leyland (ACC project team), Sandra McLeish (Steering Committee), Cheryl Martin (WACCCA), Kate Alderton (ACC project team) Gordon Cole (WACCCA), Ezra Jacobs (ACC project team), Dr Richard Walley (Aboriginal Productions and Promotions), Peter Hill (WACCCA Co-Chair), Finn Pedersen (Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects), Barry Winmar (WACCCA), Steve Humfrey (ACC project team), Sabine Winton MLA (Steering Committee Chair), Charne Hayden (WACCCA Co-Chair).

Aboriginal Engagement Strategy

The Aboriginal Engagement Strategy provides the framework for community discussions and governance for the development of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Endorsed at the February 2022 Steering Committee meeting, Aboriginal Productions and Promotion (APP) has been awarded the contract to facilitate the upcoming community engagement forums. Engagement with the Noongar community will commence in May, with meetings held throughout the Perth metro and South West region.

The Sub-Committee will meet again in June 2022.

Communiques will be published following each meeting of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee.