This week is reconciliation week - and now more than ever is the time to celebrate our region's rich cultural heritage - in its people, places and the knowledge of Country that is shared with us.
Orana in Wiradjuri means welcome and I would like to welcome our first indigenous project officer Gail Russell to the team. Gail brings a wealth of experience to RDA Orana with a background in research and history. A proud Malyngapa woman, Gail moved to Wilcannia (Barkindji Country) several years ago to be closer to her ancestral lands.
Speaking with Gail she said she was excited about joining the RDA team as our representative on the ground in the far west of the region. She believed there was a wealth of untapped potential for investment by government and private enterprise.
Gail will collaborate with local government and organisations to further develop projects and partnerships linked with Aboriginal cultural heritage in the region.
One of these projects is the Baaka Culture Centre, which is currently under construction at Wilcannia. The centre will be a keeping place for important Barkindji/Paakantji artefacts and a place for past, present and future artists to display their works. It will include a language lab with the intent to help preserve local dialects. Other features of the centre include an undercover deck which looks out into a yarning circle, a dedicated dance area and an Indigenous garden including bush tucker.
RDA Orana will work closely with the Board of the Baaka Cultural Centre Wilcannia Aboriginal Corporation and Central Darling Shire Council to provide executive support alongside RDA Project Officer, Gail Russell. This includes developing a fundraising strategy, arts and tourism plans, operating plans, grants management, business development, and supporting the Centre's opening exhibition.
It is the development of projects like the Baaka Cultural Centre that will help all Australians learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.
