Australian indigenous gathering receives one million dollars from the Australian government

In the heart of Western Sydney, the Sydney Marae Alliance (SMA) is making significant strides towards building Australia's first marae and cultural centre. The organisation, led by former ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott, received approval to occupy the Hyland Road Reserve in Sydney back in 2022.

The SMA recently hosted its annual fundraising gala on August 30, raising an impressive $197,000. The event was graced by Aunty Joyce Donovan, a matriarch of Wodi Wodi, Dharawal, and Cabrogal (Dharug) nations, who provided the Welcome to Country. Wandianwanderian Murramarang Tomikin elder Uncle Pauly McLeod also participated in the ceremony.

The SMA is $2.7 million away from commencing the first phase of the project. The Australian federal government has shown its support, pledging a donation of $1 million towards the $18 million project. The construction of the marae is expected to start within a few months, bringing new jobs and an estimated annual economic uplift of more than $8 million to the broader community of Western Sydney and McMahon.

The proposed cultural centre is inclusive of all cultures, not just Maori, reflecting the diverse community it aims to serve. The vision of a marae cultural centre in Sydney has been a long-standing one, with discussions dating back to 1992.

Shayne Elliott, who joined the SMA committee a couple of years ago, admitted that before his involvement, he was not well-versed in the Maori community in Australia. His support for the marae came after former High Commissioner of New Zealand to Australia Dame Annette King gave him an insight into the project.

However, there are still challenges to be addressed. Dharug Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation Director Corina Wayali Norman mentioned that there is work to be done to mend the relationship between Dharug and the Sydney Marae Alliance.

Despite this, the momentum is building, and the community is eagerly awaiting the construction of Australia's first marae. The SMA has already secured consent from the New South Wales Planning and Development Department and the Cumberland City Council to build on a 15-hectare block, situated on Dharug country, near EORA country.

As the project moves forward, it promises to bring a unique cultural experience to Sydney, fostering understanding, unity, and celebration of diverse cultures.

Australian indigenous gathering receives one million dollars from the Australian government