Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspects the new-look Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre with Collections Development Officer Racquel Clarke, left, Moree Plains Shire Council’s Director Corporate Services Mitchell Johnson, Council’s Executive Project Manager John Carleton and Centre Manager Kylie Benge.
Tuesday, 10 October 2017
RESEARCHERS, school students and the public will notice significant improvements to comfort at Moree’s Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, with the NSW Government providing another $208,321 to upgrade air conditioning, install a kitchen and expand spaces for the public.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall visited the Centre recently to announce the funding and inspect other recently completed major works with staff.
“This Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grant will help the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre better serve the Moree community,” Mr Marshall said.
“With over 110,000 genealogies of families, records of Aboriginal ex-servicemen, artefacts, art and over 15,000 photographs – the Centre is a vital repository for Indigenous history across the Kamilaroi nation and the whole of NSW.
“People of all backgrounds from across the state make the pilgrimage to Dhiiyaan.
“Whether it’s to research family history, learn more about the brave aboriginal servicemen fighting for our country, better understand the Kamilaroi language or view impressive displays of indigenous art, this centre is a vital part of recognising generations of culture.
“This funding will allow the Centre to replace a 20-year-old air conditioner, improving energy efficiency and comfort during Moree’s sweltering summers. Local schools are starting to make the most of Dhiiyaan and better cooling will allow them to accommodate extra students with ease.”
Mr Marshall said large parts of the old school hall would be rebuilt – to include a small kitchenette that will serve tea and coffee and allow for more of the extensive collection to be on display.
“A refit to the currently unused back dock area will greatly expand usable space – which is a precious commodity for a research space as well utilised as Dhiiyaan,” Mr Marshall said.
“This new area will house over 500 Aboriginal reference books, Kamilaroi artefacts and permanently display some of the most prized paintings and photos in the centre’s collection.”
The local MP said this funding would build upon $495,545 worth of upgrades, funded by the NSW Government last year, which completely refurbished the building’s foyer, offices and galleries.
“This light and airy building is now up to the world-class standard that the collection deserves,” Mr Marshall said.
“With computers lining the walls, modern design and considerate amenities, patronage to Dhiiyaan can continue to increase.”