Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, left, with Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place Director Rose Lovelock.
Wednesday, 30 November 2022
THE Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place is celebrating a double funding win this week, with news that $221,761 has been granted by the State Government to undertake two important projects.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall visited the Cultural Centre and Keeping Place this week to deliver the good news to Director Rose Lovelock learn more about plans for improvements.
The centre will receive $100,00 from the NSW Regional Cultural Fund digitisation round fund to digitally preserve and protect the centre’s valuable cultural collection and will also receive an additional $121,761 from the NSW Creative Capital Minor Works fund to redesign and refurbish the ageing amenities.
“I’m thrilled that this wonderful centre, which is home to irreplaceable and iconic cultural treasures, has been the recipient of two funding grants that will enable these major works to proceed,” the MP said.
“This centre is one of the real treasures of our region and Director Rose Lovelock, her dedicated board, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to improve facilities and visitor experiences.
“The rebuild of the toilet facilities will be a fantastic project as the current set up is 33 years old and like most things around that age, it needs some serious upgrades.
“The digitation project is the continuation for two years of an earlier pilot program at this centre and three others across NSW and supports these organisations in becoming cultural digital champions.
“It will create a timeless legacy, ensuring Aboriginal communities have ongoing access to heritage, culture and language through community collections being preserved and made accessible to the wider community.”
Ms Lovelock said the funding support was warmly welcomed and would have a positive impact.
“We are really pleased to now have the funding resources to address what had become a desperate need to improve our facilities inside the centre and to have the ability to install new toilets and washrooms, is a huge relief,” Ms Lovelock said.
“And, on top of that to also secure $100,000 to undertake the digitisation of our cultural collection and documents is truly exciting.
“This project will allow the centre to secure and preserve the many priceless items of cultural significance as well as allowing wider community access to family stories, history and knowledge for many generations to come
“It will allow this centre to fulfil a truly meaningful role as a repository of Aboriginal culture and history, with online and remote access making our stories accessible for all.”