Bankstown’s brand-new cultural space, with a focus on bringing together the First Nations and non-Indigenous community, is set to open its doors.

After a decade of discussions, the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre has been approved to operate for a two-year trial period at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the Centre will bring the community together to maintain, promote and learn about First Nations culture.

“This will include regular programs, cultural awareness training, Aboriginal art lessons, drop-in sessions and local support services,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“Through empowerment and building the capacity of our local First Nations community to share its cultural heritage, we can better work towards reconciliation.”

Council has appointed Bankstown Community Resource Group (BCRG), which runs a number of Aboriginal programs in the community, as the anchor organisation for the First Nations Hub and Resource Centre.

BCRG Executive Officer Louise Scarcella said the organisation is excited and privileged to be appointed as the anchor organisation for the First Nations Hub and Resource Centre.

“This is something the local community and services have wanted for a long time,” Ms Scarcella said.

“The First Nations Hub will focus on providing a space to bring community together and maintain and promote First Nations culture.

“It will be an asset to the community and provide cultural awareness training and resources for all.”

A steering committee of key local First Nations stakeholders will oversee operations of The Hub, including Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, SWSLHD – Aboriginal Health Service, Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and local Aboriginal Elders.

The First Nations Hub and Resource Centre will open to the community on Saturday 15 June 2024 and will have spaces available to run or attend First Nations programs. For more information, visit cb.city/FirstNationsHub

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and workers are invited to attend a Community Yarn Up on Wednesday 1 May from 5.30-7.30pm to learn more about the First Nations Hub and Resource Centre. To register, call Bernie Compton on 0413 825 271.