Funding Hurdles Delay Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Cockburn
The City of Cockburn is encountering significant challenges in securing financial support for a proposed Aboriginal cultural and visitors centre, with efforts to date receiving only a lukewarm response from potential backers.
Centre Details and Financial Struggles
Planned as part of the city's reconciliation action plan, the $18.1 million facility is set to be located on Progress Drive in Bibra Lake. It will feature a cultural museum, art and creative spaces, and host family and community programs. Despite allocating $250,000 for detailed design work and endorsing a $20,000 budget for its Aboriginal reference group to explore design and cost options using existing spaces, funding remains elusive.
Since 2021, the city has actively sought funding from the corporate sector, as well as State and Federal governments. This has included unsuccessful grant applications to programs such as the Thriving Suburbs and Housing Support Program Community Empowering Infrastructure. Additionally, over 40 organisations in the city and surrounding regions have been approached through targeted sponsorships and follow-up emails.
Current Status and Risks
A city report highlights that while there has been some interest in funding specific community programs in the short-term, no capital investment has been secured. The report notes, "The risk in relation to achieving funding for the ACVC through advocacy continues to be a significant challenge." This lack of progress led to the loss of a $1.5 million grant from Lotterywest COVID recovery funding awarded in 2021, as construction deadlines were not met.
Community Campaign and Future Plans
In response, the city has launched a community campaign to generate support, describing the centre as "more than a building." The campaign emphasises that it will provide an experience connecting people to the stories and traditions of the Nyungar people in meaningful ways. Co-designed with Nyungar elders, the centre's turtle-shaped design symbolises connection to the land.
Meanwhile, the city is exploring the use of existing spaces to advance the project. A report states, "Creating a designated space within our existing buildings that could focus on these goals will demonstrate the importance of the ACVC project and create progress in building the community connections and relationships to achieve these goals." It is hoped that the completed detailed design plans will spur renewed interest and support for the centre.
