Dubbo Regional Council: Plans for Wiradjuri Tourism Centre lodged

A long-promised Wiradjuri tourism centre in the state’s central west is one step closer to delivery. Here’s the latest.

Dubbo Regional Council offices. Picture: Ryan Young

The long-awaited Wiradjuri Tourism Centre in Dubbo is one step closer following the proposal of $14 million plans.

Dubbo Regional Council has received plans for the highly anticipated centre, featuring a museum and art gallery, an educational facility, cafe and key buildings for ceremonies and other needs.

The proposed centre will be located at Elizabeth Park, 2 Coronation Dr Dubbo, and would comprise of the main circular shaped Yarning Circle building, an adjacent Holding Place building and 52 additional car parks.

Planning documents state the hub will showcase a gallery and a museum with “appropriate interpretation” will form the education and curatorial focal point of the hub.

“It will be a place where local Indigenous artists have space to develop their works and visitors can immerse themselves in Wiradjuri art, live performance and culture and indigenous businesses can feel supported and tourists can enjoy locally sourced produce,” the planner said.

Peter Stutchbury Architecture’s design of the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre. icture: Peter Stutchbury Architecture /Dubbo Regional Council

“The outdoor performance circle, planting and paved areas enable welcoming spaces and places for spiritual experiences. Planting selections respond to the local area but also reflect endemic species of the Wiradjuri nation.

“A bush food garden sits to the northern end of the site and will supplement fresh food for the cafe.”

An artists impression of the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre in Dubbo. Picture: Peter Stutchbury Architecture

The proposed Yarning Circle building will be constructed with ram earth walls and a metal roof, tapered down to the centre of the roof, which is open to the sky.

The hub will be open from 9am to 4pm, seven days a week with roughly 10 to 15 staff members with extra volunteers.

“The proposed development has the support of Dubbo Regional Council and relevant stakeholders including the Wiradjuri people and will be an appropriate addition to Elizabeth Park and will complement the other public recreation facilities within the park,” the planner said.