State and Federal Government to fund Aboriginal Cultural Centre for Western Australia

The Federal Government is partnering with the Western Australian Government to deliver the Aboriginal Cultural Centre with each Government contributing $50 million after jointly funding the feasibility study.

The October Budget will deliver on the Federal Government pledge to jointly fund the Centre.

A Terrace Road site as the preferred location has been chosen primarily for its connection to the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), Heirisson Island (Matta Gerup) and Kings Park (Katta Koomba), all places of cultural significance to the Noongar people.

Planning for the project with extensive engagement is underway with Aboriginal people and communities across WA, under a Cultural Authority Framework.

This Framework is embedding Aboriginal-led community engagement and cultural decision-making processes in the development and ongoing operation for the centre.

This extensive state-wide consultation with Aboriginal people and communities will help shape the vision and key functions of the centre.

The centre will be an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the world's oldest continuous living culture and share it with the nation and the world.

As a centre of global significance it will celebrate the diversity of WA’s Aboriginal communities.

The Federal Government is committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full and the Prime Minister has outlined a possible question and amendment to the constitution for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. A referendum on The Voice will be held in this term of Government.

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese advised “we committed to delivering $50 million for the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and as promised, that money will be in this week’s Federal Budget.

“An Aboriginal cultural centre is an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the world's oldest continuous living culture and share it with the nation and the world.”

Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians adds “the world class Aboriginal Cultural Centre will be built on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people.

“It will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate Indigenous culture and promote a deeper understanding for visitors from across the county and the globe. “

Image. Perth at night. Credit: Destination Perth