Shellharbour City Council will prepare a business case for the proposed Aboriginal Interpretive Centre (AIC), signalling the City’s next stage in the preservation and celebration of the rich history of the local Aboriginal community.
At last week’s June Council meeting, Councillors also unanimously endorsed the preferred location of the centre within the Business and Technology Park at the southern-most end of 200 Harbour Blvd, fronting onto Bass Point Tourist Road, Shell Cove.
The proposed AIC would also provide a keeping place for the Aboriginal artefacts uncovered during the excavation of the Shellharbour Marina.
Following consultation with Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee, the prominent site, which has coastal views and views to significant Aboriginal sites, was considered the preferred option for a future centre.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said this was yet another important step in a highly anticipated project but cautioned there was still some work to do.
“This milestone reflects community’s vision for the Aboriginal Interpretive Centre,” Mayor Homer said.
“However, there are a number of steps to go to get this project shovel ready. There will be the targeted stakeholder engagement during the development of a business case
“Securing state and federal government support for funding of the construction of the Aboriginal Interpretive Centre will be critical to the project’s success.
“This is a good news story as an AIC can be a place for local community to connect and share stories about local Aboriginal culture and heritage. It can also enhance economic activity, provide employment opportunities and enable the preservation and protection of important Aboriginal artefacts.”
Elder Uncle Richard Davis said it was time to move forward with the business case at Council’s public forum address last week.
“We first spoke about the Aboriginal Interpretive Centre proposal 20 years ago and it’s time we move forward,” he said.
“This project can be something that will bring community together, showcasing that the Aboriginal Community is alive and well. It will bring tourism to our community as well as employment opportunities.
“There is no other Aboriginal Interpretive Centre for the community and tourists in the region.
Map: Council has endorsed the southern-most end of 200 Harbour Blvd as the location of the planned Aboriginal Interpretive Centre.
