The City develops an Aboriginal Cultural Centre

In a bid to recapture the forgotten history of the Aboriginal people, plans are being drawn up for a Centre for Indigenous Australian History and Culture. “The establishment of this Centre is one more vital step in the process of reconciliation,” says Marcelle Hoff, Councillor of the City of Sydney.

The Centre is part of a plan by the City of Sydney to tell the story of Indigenous life in Sydney. Called the ‘Eora Journey’, plans are being made for a walking path around the centre of the city marking the places of Indigenous importance. It is hoped that the Centre will become the focal point of this ‘Eora Journey.’

However, there has been much discussion about where the Centre should be placed. The most popular suggestion to date is that it be built on The Block.

“The Block is the best place for it,” says Mick Mundine, Chief Executive of the Aboriginal Housing Company, which owns and manages The Block. “The Centre should be where the Aboriginal people live and where much of the recent history has happened.” However, others think it should be placed in the city centre.

“The Centre needs to be in a prominent place. If you are going to acknowledge Australia’s black history, it should be in a place that is as prominent as Australia’s white history,” says Lyn Turnbull, member of Redfern Residents for Reconciliation.

But she also stresses the importance of Redfern and its need to be on the ‘Eora Journey’ trail. “Redfern’s where the political and post-colonial history has taken place. It is vital to the history of the Aboriginal people.”

Wherever it is eventually built, the Centre hopes to attract visitors, not just from Australia but from around the world.

“This Centre is one of the best things that could happen to Redfern,” says Mick Mundine. “Nobody knows about the Aboriginal history…it really will help to bring reconciliation to reality.”

Marcelle Hoff agrees, “I have been involved with Aboriginal people for many years and I believe now is the time for the younger generation, whilst respecting their elders and their traditions, to lead their people forward in the 21st Century,” she says.

“This Centre will be a 'belonging place', a source of pride and ownership, a place where everyone can learn about the original custodians of this wonderful land of ours.”

Photo: Ali Blogg- Caption: Councillor Marcelle Hoff