Wangka Maya’s cultural precinct plans boosted by land transfer agreement, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 29-June-2011
Lands Minister Brendon Grylls has approved a conditional land transfer to the Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre (WMPALC) in South Hedland.
Mr Grylls said the transfer of the lot, which is adjacent to the centre’s existing location, would enable WMPALC to progress their plans for further development of the site.
“This transfer agreement will provide a further 4,300sqm of land into the existing freehold lot and allow the centre to get on with their expansion plans,” he said.
“Next year will see Wangka Maya celebrate 25 years of work in the Pilbara region, throughout which they have made a considerable contribution to the preservation of Aboriginal language, culture and history,” he said.
Under the direction of Pilbara elders Wangka Maya, a non-profit organisation, offers many services to the community including translation, education, and cultural awareness training.
The Minister also noted that in addition to supporting the centre with land transfers, the cultural precinct project was awarded $147,300 in the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Regional Grants Scheme in the 2009-10 funding round.
Conditions of the transfer preserve the use of the land for a language centre and related purposes.
*Please note pronunciation: Wangka Maya pronounced Wang-ah May-ah
