Aboriginal Centre for Excellence takes shape

Monday, 9 May 2016

Council hosted a community feedback forum on Friday 29 April to continue the planning for a proposed Aboriginal Centre for Excellence in Western Sydney.

The $20 million State Government project, will provide programs and services focusing on innovation, arts, culture, health, wellbeing, sport and recreation for the region's significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The productive forum was well attended by community members and key stakeholders.

Council's Assistant General Manager Craig Butler welcomed guests and congratulated Aboriginal Affairs NSW on the project and its intensive community consultation.

"The Aboriginal Centre for Excellence is a commendable initiative and will be better for your input."

The forum followed on from consultation sessions held last year. These sessions sought to capture and reflect the collective aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region, and build strong and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders - from government, industry and the services sector.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown praised the vision for the Centre.

"I'm particularly pleased to hear it will deliver programs and services that support Aboriginal young people to make the transition from school to further education and employment," she said.

"Penrith will be proud to be an active part of a network to support and foster opportunities for our region's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."

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Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 9 May 2016.