Site selected for Western Australia’s new Aboriginal Cultural Centre
A world-class Aboriginal Cultural Centre for Western Australia is a step closer to becoming a reality with the selection of a Terrace Road site as the preferred location for the centre.
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 Whadjuk Cultural Authority representatives on the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee were asked to consider six 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.
The Whadjuk Cultural Authority representative group is made up of 6 members of the Noongar community; 3 men and 3 women who were selected by Whadjuk Elders.
The centre now has a joint funding commitment of $102 million with $50m from the State Government, and a total of $52m from the Australian Government which includes the recent election commitment from the Albanese Government.
The project will now be progressed through further engagement with the newly elected directors and cultural advice committee members of the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, established under the South West Native Title Settlement.
Extensive State-wide consultations with Aboriginal people and communities will also commence to help shape the vision and key functions of the centre.
It is anticipated the centre will be opened in 2028.