Growing Regions Program Investment in Noongar Language and Culture Welcomed by Southern Aboriginal Corporation

Media Release. Thursday, 9 January 2025

Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) has today welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government, under its Growing Regions Program, will provide a $5.2 million co- contribution to the construction of the Kairli Cultural and Language Centre in Albany.

The purpose-built facility will showcase Noongar culture and language, providing opportunities for connection, truth telling and Aboriginal enterprise. Key features will include a Noongar Language and Healing Centre, art gallery, interpretive displays, community meeting spaces, and an Indigenous Enterprise Development Hub. SAC administration will also be relocated to the cultural centre, in the heart of Albany.

SAC CEO, Asha Bhat, said the funding would enable SAC to enhance social and community inclusion in the Great Southern region by addressing the unique needs of Noongar people and the broader community:

In 2019, SAC purchased land at 4 Toll Place along the Albany waterfront, on which we sought to construct and operate a first-class Cultural Centre to respect and promote Noongar cultural heritage.

This investment by the Australian Government, through the Growing Regions Program, represents a significant opportunity in economic and Indigenous enterprise growth to construct and operate the Kairli Cultural and Language Centre, which will focus on delivering a unique experience based on Noongar content.

Within the Noongar Language and Healing Centre, SAC will bring together a combination of Noongar language learning activities including beginner-advanced language classes, cultural workshops, professional development programs, cultural competency training, and Kinship and cultural mapping.

A small gallery and retail shop will showcase and provide opportunities for Noongar people to commission their artwork and other products.

The Indigenous Enterprise Development Hub will provide shared resources for young Aboriginal businesses including office space, consultants, personnel and access to financing and technical support.

Ms Bhat highlighted the broad public benefit of the Cultural Centre, which will create 18.1 direct jobs during construction, 24.2 indirect construction jobs, and support the Great Southern region to take advantage of Indigenous tourism industry growth:

Aboriginal tourism presents a major economic opportunity in Australia, and Albany and the Great Southern region have yet to fully engage in this market.

Once established, Kairli will be a vibrant cultural hub that attracts residents and visitors. Kairli will promote activities such as cultural workshops, guided tours and events that will showcase Noongar traditions, art and culture.

By offering immersive experiences, Kairli will attract tourists interested in genuine cultural engagement, stimulating demand for local businesses, particularly in accommodation and hospitality.

SAC will proceed to tender for construction of the facility in 2025.