The official opening today, of a new cultural centre promoting and archiving the knowledge, language and arts of the Yawuru people, traditional owners of the lands and waters around Broome, will preserve and promote Indigenous culture and language in the region.
Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Liyan-ngan Nyirrwa Cultural Wellbeing Centre would host a range of cultural revitalisation and healing activities.
“The centre will be home to a wealth of cultural history and offer a space to record, document and perform traditional songs, stories and dances,” Ms Price said.
“With training facilities and language revitalisation programs on offer, the centre will support, enhance and protect Yawuru culture.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $5.9 million project had already provided a welcome boost to the local economy by hiring local workers and using local suppliers.
“The centre will also offer a number of employment opportunities, supporting 80 jobs during the construction phase and supporting another 17 ongoing roles now it is completed,” Mr McCormack said.
“The centre facilities will be available for hire by external organisations, with the option of in-house catering, bringing in more income for the centre and making it financially sustainable.”
Western Australian Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan said the centre was a sound investment in the region’s cultural and community infrastructure.
“Complete with community garden, kitchen, café, multi-purpose community hall and open gathering space, the centre offers a versatile home for community gatherings and activities,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“By integrating and extending the Language Resource Hub and the Mangara Archive, this institution will become a pillar of Indigenous learning in the community.”
The Australian Government committed $2,924,907 to the project under the Building Better Regions Fund. This is an $841 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.
Lotterywest contributed a further $2,980,418 towards the project.
