Miners to be tapped for Aboriginal cultural centre

The McGowan government will go to the private sector to help fund a centre of Aboriginal culture, history and tradition on the banks of Perth’s Swan River.

WA Premier Mark McGowan. Picture: Colin Murty

The McGowan government will go to the private sector — particularly mining and resources companies — to help fund a centre of Aboriginal culture, history and tradition on the banks of Perth’s Swan River.

West Australian Labor on Monday promised $50m in seed funding for the cultural centre it predicts will appeal to tourists from interstate and ultimately from overseas. The centre would display art and tell stories from as far north as the Kimberley.

Data collected by the state’s tourism commissions shows interstate and overseas visitors to Perth have shown interest in the state’s most remote regions and expressed an eagerness to experience Indigenous culture on their holiday. However, most visitors to WA remain in the southwest of the state, rarely venturing further than the Margaret River wine region, 270km south of Perth.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said he expected the commonwealth to contribute to the cultural centre, to be completed by 2029.

The McGowan government also announced on Monday it would grant $20m to Indigenous tourist operators trying to expand their businesses in Perth or attract more visitors to the regions for programs including Camping with Custodians.

The grants are for companies including GoCultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences founded by Aboriginal couple Walter McGuire and his wife, Meg. Mr McGuire is a Noongar elder who guides visitors and Perth residents on tours of the city, where they listen to songs, take part in smoking ceremonies and learn about ancient history behind modern landmarks.