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Location chosen for new Aboriginal cultural center to be built in central Perth

An Aboriginal cultural center will be built on a site between the Derbarl Yerrigan, also known as the Swan River, and the Perth Concert Hall to showcase Western Australia’s indigenous culture.

The location was chosen by the Whadjuk Aboriginal Cultural Center Cultural Authority, a body set up to provide advice on the cultural center and a best possible site.

The committee’s Barry Winmar said the center would give Aboriginal people a strong voice and show Aboriginal culture in its best light.

“It gives us an opportunity to tell our stories, to tell our songlines and showcase what our culture looks like through art, dance and through print and media,” Mr Winmar said.

The site was culturally significant as the location of watering holes and tributaries of the river.

A man in a suit speaks at a lecture while others watch on.
Barry Winmar says the site has a special significance for WA’s Indigenous people. (ABC News: James Carmody)

“There were walking trails along there. We had a really strong connection with the water and the land,” Mr Winmar said.

It was also close to where Whadjuk Noongar leader Yellagonga, who died in 1843, was buried.

The Commonwealth government has previously provided $50 million seed funding for the project, and the WA government $54 million, as part of an election commitment.

A carpark pictured in front of the Duxton Hotel
The Terrace Road carpark, located between the Swan River and the Perth Concert Hall, has been chosen as the site to build the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. (ABC News: James Carmody)

Premier Mark McGowan said the cultural center was due to be finished by 2028 and will likely include major private sector and philanthropic contributions to create a “world-standard facility”.

“We want tourists from Australia and around the world to come and visit and understand and enjoy that experience,” Mr McGowan said.

“It’s a great opportunity for understanding and for creating jobs and also for that great sense of identity that will come with it.

“So we’re very excited about this location.”

A man dressed in a suit bends down to be covered in smoke produced by an Aboriginal man.
Patrick Gorman, seen here at a smoking ceremony during the announcement, believes the site could become an iconic attraction. (ABC News: James Carmody)

Federal minister and WA MP Patrick Gorman thought it could be WA’s answer to the Opera House in Sydney.

“This is about giving Western Australia something that expresses the full breadth of Aboriginal culture,” Mr Gorman said.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said he was excited the cultural center would be located in the city.

“It’s hard to believe that in 2022 our nation does not have an Aboriginal cultural center and museum of this size and shape and standing, that we are anticipating will now be built,” Mr Zempilas said.

“So I’m absolutely thrilled that the City of Perth is likely to be home to this facility. It’s very important for our country, for our state and in particular for our city.”

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