Bankstown’s brand new cultural space, with a focus on bringing the First Nations and non-Indigenous community together, has opened its doors.
For Uncle Harry Allie, Saturday was a very special day.
The 81-year-old moved to Chester Hill in 1989, and as an active member of City of Canterbury Bankstown’s First Peoples Advisory Committee, he’s watched the community move forward towards reconciliation.
After many years of advocacy, he witnessed Council take a major leap forward with the grand opening of the CBCity First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre on Saturday 15 June.
The cultural space will focus on bringing the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community together to maintain, promote and learn about First Nations culture. This will include regular programs, cultural awareness training, Aboriginal Art lessons, drop-in sessions and local support services.
“It brings us closer together so we can pass on our culture to younger generations,” Mr Allie said.
“Particularly because we’re a very multicultural LGA, to give recognition to the First Nations people means a lot.”
The CBCity First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre was officially opened by Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, local First Nations organisations and Elders in a special ceremony at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre.
Mayor El-Hayek said the launch had been a long time coming and he was proud as the Mayor to be part of it.
“It is quite clear that there was a need for First Nations community members to come together and meet, a place to embrace and celebrate culture and connect with Country,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“And importantly, a place where our non-Indigenous community could come and learn about the oldest living culture in the world. You can imagine the benefits to our children and grandchildren!”
Mr Allie added he was pleased to see the number of people that came out for the opening.
“That was just the starting point,” Mr Allie said.
“To be here in Canterbury-Bankstown as it moves forward as one of the biggest LGA’s in NSW and particularly bringing us together, was really special.”
The CBCity First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre will operate for a two-year trial period at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre.
Council has appointed Bankstown Community Resource Group (BCRG), which runs a number of Aboriginal programs in the community, as the anchor organisation for the First Nations Hub.
A steering committee of key local First Nations stakeholders will oversee operations of The Hub, including Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, SWSLHD – Aboriginal Health Service, Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and local Aboriginal Elders.
The CBCity First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre has spaces available to run or attend First Nations programs. For more information, visit cb.city/FirstNationsHub
