Intro
Photo: Announcement of Terrace Road as the site of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Photo (left to right): Hon David Templeman MLA (Minister for Culture and the Arts), Sabine Winton MLA (Chair Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee), Peter Hill (Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cultural Authority), Hon Patrick Gorman MP (Member for Perth), Hon Mark McGowan MLA (Premier), Beverley Port-Louis (Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cultural Authority), Hon Tony Buti MLA (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), Barry Winmar (Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cultural Authority), Charne Hayden (Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cultural Authority), Cheryl Martin (Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cultural Authority).
The site was chosen primarily because of its connection to the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), Heirisson Island (Matta Gerup) and Kings Park (Katta Koomba), which are places of cultural significance to Noongar people.
“The site is part of our spiritual identity. It’s where the bilya (river) meets the boodja (land) and where ancient waterways were created by the Wagyl as part of our Dreaming.
“This is a spiritual place where we can tell our stories, but also where we welcome others to tell their stories to promote healing and understanding.
“We hope the centre will be a healing and gathering space for Aboriginal people across WA where we can connect as First Nations peoples and share our culture with people from all over the world.”
The Whadjuk Cultural Authority representatives on the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee were asked to consider 6 different locations near the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan). The selection of the site went through an extensive cultural investigation and consultation process, which has been endorsed by the wider Whadjuk reference group for the project.
Ceremony prepares safe pathway for future State-wide Aboriginal Cultural Centre