The 81-year-old moved to Chester Hill in 1989 and as an active member of City of Canterbury
Bankstown’s First Peoples Advisory Committee, he’s watched the community move forward towards reconciliation.
After many years of advocacy, he witnessed the council take a major leap forward with the grand
opening of the Canterbury Bankstown First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre last Saturday.
The cultural space will focus on bringing the Indigenous and non-Indigenous 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.
“It brings us closer together so we can pass on our culture to younger generations,” Mr Allie said.
“Particularly because we’re a very multicultural LGA, to give recognition to the First Nations people means a lot.”
The First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre was officially opened by Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, local first nations organisations and Elders in a special ceremony at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre.
Mayor El-Hayek said the launch had been a long time coming and he was proud as the Mayor to be part of it.
“It is quite clear that there was a need for First Nations community members to come together and meet, a place to embrace and celebrate culture and connect with Country,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“And importantly, a place where our non-Indigenous community could come and learn about the oldest living culture in the world. You can imagine the benefits to our children and grandchildren!”
The First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre will operate for a two-year trial period at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre.
