ENRICH-ing Perth's understanding of WA's first people

24/8/04
The plan to showcase Noongar history in artwork and storyboards along the Swan River foreshore will be seen for the first time at the WA on Show Exhibition.
Indigenous Affairs Minister John Kobelke said he hoped the thousands of people who would visit the exhibition to mark the opening of Perth's new Convention Centre would take time to look at a touch screen presentation of the indigenous heritage trail plan.
The ENRICH Swan Foreshore Walk Trail was created from a report by consultants Maggie Baxter and Lorraine Fitzpatrick, who worked with Noongar people over six months to decide on artwork themes for 19 indigenous heritage sites.
A special display at the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) stand for WA on Show will provide the next step in the consultation period for this exciting initiative.
Comment on the trail is now being sought to help progress the project.
"The foreshore walk, which is supported by the City of Perth, is also a key project in the DIA's ENRICH program, to be launched at WA On Show," Mr Kobelke said.
"ENRICH - Encouraging Reconciliation through Indigenous Culture and Heritage - covers a range of educational, awareness and funding initiatives, which aspire to achieve reconciliation in every WA community."
The ENRICH trail includes sites of value to Noongar culture, including Heirisson Island, Point Fraser, the Supreme Court Gardens, Barrack Square, Mt Eliza and Kings Park.
Artwork, information plaques and interpretive signage will be created in consultation with the Noongar community to mark the sites and eventually the complete trail will include many sites along the foreshore from Crawley to East Perth.
The Minister said the project was an exciting way to record WA's indigenous history, and that the ENRICH trail would place Noongar heritage in a deserving place of prominence on the Perth map.
"We are especially pleased in WA's 175th Anniversary year to show our respect for this State's first people and continue our commitment to a fair and just relationship with Aboriginal people," he said.
Minister's Office - 9222 9211