Steering Committee to expand as centre’s planning extends across WA

Planning for Western Australia’s Aboriginal Cultural Centre has reached another exciting milestone with 8 experienced Aboriginal community members joining the project’s phase 2 Steering Committee.

Recognised for their experience working in a partnership approach with government and Aboriginal communities on major projects, the Aboriginal appointees to the Steering Committee are:

• Ms Lorraine Coppin
• Mr Peter Jeffries
• Mr Anthony (Tony) Lee
• Ms Carol Martin OAM
• Ms Cheryl Martin
• Mr John McGuire
• Ms Taliah Payne
• Mr Barry Winmar.

We would like to sincerely thank the outgoing members Beverley Port-Louis, Charne Hayden, Gordon Cole and Peter Hill for their significant contribution as the inaugural Whadjuk cultural authority representatives on phase one of the Steering Committee.

Their commitment and cultural expertise has contributed to the delivery of a significant body of work which ensures the Aboriginal Cultural Centre project is led by Aboriginal people, working in partnership with the State Government.

Existing Whadjuk Noongar Steering Committee members Barry Winmar and Cheryl Martin paid tribute to Elders and welcomed the new appointees.

"The Terrace Road site chosen by the inaugural Whadjuk Noongar members of the Steering Committee is where the bilya (river) meets the boodja (land) and where ancient waterways were created by the Wagyl as part of the Dreaming,” Mr Winmar said.

“The site is very significant to Whadjuk Noongar people and our Elders as it was a big meeting and trading place for thousands of years and where we welcomed others to our Country.” he said.

“In honour of our Elders, we are pleased to now welcome regional Aboriginal community members to join us on the Steering Committee to help guide the planning phase of a centre where we can gather as First Nations peoples and showcase our culture to the world.” Ms Martin said.

Read the joint media statement.