New appointments to Aboriginal Cultural Centre steering committee

• Eight Aboriginal members appointed to expanded Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee
• Newly appointed members will have key role of providing guidance and direction for the project definition phase
• Important milestone for work to deliver a world-class centre that celebrates Aboriginal cultures

Planning for Western Australia's Aboriginal Cultural Centre has reached another milestone with the appointment of eight experienced Aboriginal community members to the project's Steering Committee.

The Aboriginal community members from across WA will join the newly expanded Steering Committee to guide the planning and engagement phase of WA's new Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Recognised for their experience, the Aboriginal appointees to the Steering Committee are:

• Ms Lorraine Coppin;
• Mr Peter Jeffries;
• Mr Anthony (Tony) Lee;
• Ms Carol Martin OAM;
• Ms Cheryl Martin;
• Mr John McGuire;
• Ms Taliah Payne; and
• Mr Barry Winmar.

Five regional Aboriginal members were nominated through a State-wide expression of interest process and recommended to the Government by an independent Aboriginal panel chaired by former Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt.

Two Whadjuk Noongar representatives were elected through a Whadjuk self-determined process. An additional Aboriginal member was directly appointed to ensure a continuation of technical knowledge from the phase one Steering Committee membership and for gender parity.

The State Government thanks outgoing members Beverley Port-Louis, Charne Hayden, Gordon Cole and Peter Hill for their significant contribution as the inaugural Whadjuk cultural authority representatives on phase one of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee.

For further information on the Aboriginal Cultural Centre project, visit: https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/aboriginal-culture/aboriginal-cultural-centre

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"The expanded membership of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Steering Committee will ensure participation and engagement by a range of Aboriginal community members, including regional perspectives.

"Each of the new committee members brings significant professional and cultural knowledge, and will provide critical guidance and direction for the planning of the new centre."

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

"Regional membership on the Steering Committee is critical to ensure the Aboriginal Cultural Centre connects and returns value to other spaces and places around Western Australia that develop, promote and nurture art, culture, language and heritage.

"The centre will be a hub of activity for art, performance, education, research, community and commercial activities and become a significant tourism drawcard, inspiring visitors to explore the State to experience the unique Aboriginal cultural offerings available on Country."

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:

"The Aboriginal Cultural Centre represents a unique opportunity for telling the Aboriginal stories of Western Australia, and the appointment of these eight new members to the Steering Committee is key to capturing those experiences and sharing what Aboriginal culture is really about.

"The centre will also play a critical role in the economic empowerment of Aboriginal people through the growth of the cultural industries and tourism sectors, creating employment and training opportunities."