Cultural resource centre for First Nations to debut

After a decade of discussions, the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre, Eora Matta, has been approved to operate for a two-year trial period at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre.
In the Darug language, Eora Matta translates to “people’s meeting (place)”.
Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said Eora Matta would 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,” the Mayor said.
“Through empowerment and building the capacity of our local First Nations community to share its cultural heritage, we can better work towards reconciliation.”
The council has appointed Bankstown Community Resource Group (BCRG), which runs a number of Aboriginal programs in the community, as the anchor organisation for Eora Matta.
BCRG Executive Officer Louise Scarcella said the organisation was excited and privileged to be appointed as the anchor organisation for Eora Matta.
“This is something the local community and services have wanted for a long time,” Ms Scarcella said.
“The First Nations Cultural 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.
Eora Matta will open to the community on Saturday, June 15, and will have spaces available to run or attend First Nations programs. For more information, visit cb.city/EoraMatta
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and workers are invited to attend a Community Yarn Up on Wednesday, May 1, 5.30-7.30pm, to learn more about Eora Matta. To register, call Bernie Compton on 0413 825 271.