5/9/01
The new Broome Community House was purpose-built to meet the needs of the local community after the land was cleansed of the ghosts of past government policies, Community Development Minister Sheila McHale said.
Ms McHale said the house would be a vibrant meeting place for families and individuals to access courses, programs and activities, but the land it occupied had carried some unpleasant memories.
The house is available for use by groups and individuals who help to support and strengthen families and children.
Ms McHale will officially open Broome Community House at 11.30am tomorrow (September 6) after a welcome by the land's traditional owners. The opening is part of the Shinju Festival.
During the day there will be speakers on the stolen generation and reconciliation, entertainment including the Bidyadanga Youth Band and a play from Cable Beach Primary School, a sausage sizzle and activities for children.
Broome Community House is located on the corner of Frederick and Weld Streets in Broome.
"The location of Broome Community House is significant for many people in Broome," Ms McHale said.
"In the 1970s it housed the then Native Welfare Department. Many local Aboriginal people remember those days and still feel the effects of Government policies of the past which have hurt families.
"To acknowledge its emotional importance to families, the land was cleared of bad feeling then blessed by local Elders early last year. This was a real step in the process of reconciliation."
Members of the Yarawu Clan, chair of the Reconciliation Council, representatives from ATSIC, chair of the Stolen Generation Committee, chair of the Kullari Regional Council, Shire President, religious leaders and members of the community came together for the ceremony.
Broome Community House was developed by the Department for Community Development in partnership with Broome CIRCLE (Community Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange) after extensive community consultation.
The department funded the project for more than $730,000.
The house features a meeting area for community groups, rooms for counselling, activity areas for families, youth and children and a creche.
The building also has offices for the department and Broome CIRCLE.
Ms McHale said that during construction of the building in 2000, the department worked closely with key stakeholders in the community, including Aboriginal organisations, to ensure Broome Community House met their requirements.
"The development of Broome Community House has been a truly collaborative process," she said.
"Through the community and Government working in partnership, local people now have a place to meet which is more than just appropriate - Broome Community House is a fun and vibrant cornerstone for the community."
Media contact: Priscilla Fouracres on 9213 6900
