Local Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies has handed over a $2 million cheque from LotteryWest to the Shire of Northam to assist with the construction and fitout of the town’s Aboriginal and Environment Interpretive Centre.
“Congratulations to the Shire on a well-considered grant application and for their commitment to prioritising such an important project,” Ms Davies said.
“I am delighted that the community can be part of a project that will highlight the region’s rich Aboriginal culture and heritage, it is a significant step in the reconciliation journey.
“The new facility will also be a resource showcasing the natural environment of the Avon Valley.”
The interpretive centre will be located adjacent to the Northam Visitor Centre on the foreshore of the Avon River.
“It will be developed as a regional tourist attraction which offers an interactive educational experience to recognise the important Aboriginal heritage in the region and will showcase the Ballardong Nyoongar culture,” she said.
Ms Davies said the centre would be the culmination of many years of planning and would provide a base for education and community cultural activity for the local population, as well as visitors to the town.
The need for an Aboriginal cultural and environmental centre was identified through the Royalties for Regions SuperTowns Program in 2011-12.
“The interpretive centre will combine Aboriginal knowledge and heritage with environmental and conservation programs to develop approaches to land management that incorporate traditional principles,” she said.
The centre has also attracted funding from Royalties for Regions’ Wheatbelt Regional Grant Scheme and through federal grant programs.
Further information about the centre is available from the Shire of Northam’s website www.northam.wa.gov.au.
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 08 9041 1702 (Merredin office), 08 9622 2871 (Northam office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA has presented a $2 million LotteryWest cheque to Shire of Northam President Steven Pollard to assist with the construction and fitout of the town’s Aboriginal and Environment Interpretive Centre.
At the presentation. The new centre will highlight the region’s rich Aboriginal culture and heritage.
