Kick started by NSW Government funding announced in 2022, Yarkuwa has now created a state of the art cultural centre in Deniliquin’s north.
The community is invited to join Yarkuwa and their project partners to celebrate the $1.5 million project on Hay Rd.
Starting from 6pm on Wednesday, May 21, Yarkuwa manager David Crew said this is your chance to see all the new developments at the centre, available to the indigenous and wider community.
Two bands have been secured to perform at the opening.
It includes the Echuca-based Benny Walker Band, and KINJA which includes Wamba Wamba musician Ron Murray and fiddler Sarah James.
And you can’t have a party without some dancing.
Yarkuwa’s own Waripa Dancers troupe will provide a showcase for guests.
“Yarkuwa was started 22 years ago to hold and care for local knowledge, kinship, family history, local history and a shared history of the community, and this centre is designed to set us up for the next 20 years and beyond,” Mr Crew said.
“What we have developed here is such a great mixed space for the community, education and tourism.
“We have a museum of cultural artefacts, a conference and digital space that can be used for meetings or exhibitions, a meeting room that can also be used for workshops, an art shed and a full commercial kitchen.
“The landscaping will propagate and demonstrate food, fibre and medicine plants, adding to the educational and tourism elements, and there’s also an outdoor yarning space and performance space.
“The building is also an office for our staff to work from, and additional shedding for our ranger program and junior ranger program.”
Mr Crew said the spaces are already being used by outside organisations, including a three-day training course run through Tocal College this week.
Next week, the centre will host the Aboriginal Culture, Heritage & Arts Association of NSW conference.
The opening has been timed to coincide with this three-day program, running Tuesday to Thursday.
Sponsored by the NSW Aboriginal Lands Council, the conference brings together operators of Aboriginal cultural centres to share their experiences and learn.
“The theme of the conference is connection to community, and this is our chance to showcase what we do in our community,” Mr Crew said.
“We don’t often stop to reflect on what it is we do, so this is a great opportunity to do so.
“It also allows us to reflect on where Yarkuwa started, where it’s gotten to and what is ahead. As well as the many members of the community who have supported us over the years.
As catering will be provided at the opening, interested community members are asked to RSVP by phone or email. Call Yarkuwa on 5881 3312 or email admin@yarkuwa.org.au.
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