THE Northam Aboriginal and Environmental Interpretive Centre (AEIC) is a step closer to starting thanks to the State government’s Royalties for Regions regional grant scheme.
The centre was recently successful in securing a $300,000 grant under the Wheatbelt Regional Grant Scheme from a total funding pool of $1.4 million.
Northam Shire president Steven Pollard said they were grateful to receive significant support for the exciting project.
“The AEIC will be an iconic, state-of-the-art tourist attraction enhancing the Northam waterfront,” Mr Pollard said.
“ It will showcase our local indigenous heritage and environmental biodiversity.”
The centre was identified as a priority project in the Supertown Northam Growth Plan.
The centre is expected to cost $4.5M with $2.1M secured for the project in 2015 under the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Consultants have been working with traditional owners and other key project partners to prepare detailed designs and interpretation plans for the centre over the past six months.
The centre will be adjacent to the Northam Visitor Information Centre.
It will contain current and historical material on indigenous heritage and the Noongar Ballardong People’s connection to the land.
The centre will include space for cultural expression through art, theatre and dance while offering employment pathways for local Aboriginal people in tourism related fields.
It is scheduled for completion next year.
