Proposal announced for La Perouse First Nations cultural precinct

A proposal has been announced by Randwick City Council and the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, informed by advice from the NSW Heritage Council and in line with ‘Designing with Country’ principles, to transform the La Perouse Museum and surrounding headland in Sydney's east into a dedicated First Nations Cultural Precinct, co-designed with and led by the local Aboriginal community.

The transformation would see the precinct become a national destination that celebrates and shares the deep and ongoing cultural connections of the La Perouse Aboriginal community.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a space that truly reflects the cultural significance of this place and noted “La Perouse is one of the most important Aboriginal sites in Sydney and we are proud to be working in genuine partnership with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council to bring this vision to life.

“This precinct will not only restore an historic site but will celebrate living culture, create local jobs, welcome visitors, and support the return of cultural objects to Country.”

The Museum, which is over 130 years old, is currently in need of heritage restoration and does not meet modern accessibility or museum standards.

A pre-feasibility study estimates a $99 million investment is required to transform the site, including the restoration of heritage buildings and construction of new, climate-controlled spaces and to develop a masterplan for the Headland celebrating its unique cultural, social and ecological importance.

La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive, Chris Ingrey, welcomed the ongoing partnership with Randwick Council to create the cultural precinct and added “We are pleased to work in partnership with Randwick City Council on establishing a First Nations Cultural Precinct on the shores of the historic Botany Bay. Sydney needs a state-of-the-art facility that will be home to Aboriginal artefacts and artworks that have been returned from national and international collections that is accessible for all Australians to enjoy”.

The next steps will focus on planning, formalising governance arrangements and seeking funding support from the State and Federal governments to deliver this vision.