In a bid to recapture the forgotten history of the
Aboriginal people, plans are being drawn up for a Centre for Indigenous
Australian History and Culture. “The establishment of this Centre is one more
vital step in the process of reconciliation,” says Marcelle Hoff, Councillor of
the City of Sydney.
The Centre is part of a plan by the City of Sydney
to tell the story of Indigenous life in Sydney.
Called the ‘Eora Journey’, plans are being made for a walking path around the
centre of the city marking the places of Indigenous importance. It is hoped
that the Centre will become the focal point of this ‘Eora Journey.’
However, there has been much discussion about where the
Centre should be placed. The most popular suggestion to date is that it be
built on The Block.
“The Block is the best place for it,” says Mick Mundine,
Chief Executive of the Aboriginal Housing Company, which owns and manages The
Block. “The Centre should be where the Aboriginal people live and where much of
the recent history has happened.” However, others think it should be placed in
the city centre.
“The Centre needs to be in a prominent place. If you are
going to acknowledge Australia’s
black history, it should be in a place that is as prominent as Australia’s
white history,” says Lyn Turnbull, member of Redfern Residents for
Reconciliation.
But she also stresses the importance of Redfern and its need
to be on the ‘Eora Journey’ trail. “Redfern’s where the political and
post-colonial history has taken place. It is vital to the history of the
Aboriginal people.”
Wherever it is eventually built, the Centre hopes to attract
visitors, not just from Australia
but from around the world.
“This Centre is one of the best things that could happen to
Redfern,” says Mick Mundine. “Nobody knows about the Aboriginal history…it
really will help to bring reconciliation to reality.”
Marcelle Hoff agrees, “I have been involved with Aboriginal
people for many years and I believe now is the time for the younger generation,
whilst respecting their elders and their traditions, to lead their people
forward in the 21st Century,” she says.
“This Centre will be a ‘belonging place’, a source of pride
and ownership, a place where everyone can learn about the original custodians
of this wonderful land of ours.”
Photo: Ali Blogg- Caption: Councillor Marcelle Hoff
Source:
South Sydney Herald July 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au