Thursday, 17 September 2020
COMMUNITY INVITED TO HELP SHAPE FUTURE OF WESTERN SYDNEY ABORIGINAL CENTRE
Aboriginal community members from Western Sydney will have their say in the future operation of the Kimberwalli centre, as it prepares it to open in a COVID Safe way.
The centre was developed in partnership with the local Aboriginal community and young people to support young Aboriginal people in Western Sydney in their transition from school to further education, training or employment.
Head of Aboriginal Affairs Lil Gordon said, “Underpinned by strong values of culture, connection and healing, Kimberwalli will be a culturally safe space to develop the digital literacy skills that young Aboriginal people need for the jobs of the future.”
Kimberwalli already works closely with TAFE NSW, State Training Services, local high schools and Aboriginal Registered Training Organisations and has strong partnerships with Microsoft and LinkedIn.
“As the centre moves into its next phase, the Department of Education will support Kimberwalli’s operation in the Western Sydney community with the skills, experience and resources it needs to achieve its goals,” she said.
Since January 2020, it has hosted a number of small pilot programs to test its abilities, but paused broader opening plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project was announced in 2015 by Premier Mike Baird, with a commitment of $20m to build the facility. The cornerstone of the project is the involvement of the Aboriginal community.
“Community voices have always been an integral part of Kimberwalli’s past and future, and we look forward to their guidance and support as we develop an Aboriginal community-led Governance model for its future,” Ms Gordon added.
Kimberwalli, meaning ‘many stars’ in Darug language, recognises the role of stars in Aboriginal storytelling and learning, navigating country and following lore to sustain culture and well-being. The name also recognises young Aboriginal people can be the stars of their own destiny.
Further details of the community consultations are available here.
MEDIA: media@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au