After years of discussions and uncertainty, Wellington will finally have a Wiradjuri Tourism Experience which is expected to be completed before the end of 2019.
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Dubbo Regional Council was given $1.5 million from the NSW government through the Stronger Communities Fund to develop the tourism centre in Wellington and Dubbo.
Council will put $600,000 towards the Wellington Wiradjuri cultural centre. The centre will be moved to the Wellington Visitor Information Centre (VIC) building and the VIC will be moved into the Council administration building.
According to council the aim is to "allow visitors and the community to experience Australia's oldest culture in the world, experiencing local Aboriginal traditions and to gain an understanding and appreciation for the beliefs of the local Wiradjuri people."
Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Mike Nolan was pleased they will finally be able to showcase their culture and heritage to locals and tourists.
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The Wellington Wiradjuri Tourism Experience will include a coffee shop, plus office space and board room.
"It will be a place for community gatherings and an educational place where we can bring schools and have the opportunity to pass on culture and knowledge," Mr Nolan said.
It is not yet known who will run the tourism centre, but the Wellington LALC hope to look at employment and training opportunities for the centre and cafe.
"We will be working with TAFE and other service providers...," Mr Nolan said.
Cameron Park, where the building is situated, was a great location and Mr Nolan said visitors passing through will undoubtedly see the centre and hopefully stop by.
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Currently the Wellington LALC houses many Indigenous artefacts and Mr Nolan said they need to displayed and shared, which the building will finally allow them to do. Artefacts include stone tools, photographs and historical items.
Dubbo Regional councillor David Grant said after many years of discussions it was great that the community will finally get a cultural centre, although it was unfortunate that it meant the Binjang Community Radio has to move.
Council is providing $15,000 to help with Binjang's relocation costs, and staff will help find a new location.
"But hopefully in the long-term Binjang will be able to set up in a new location and we will have a cultural centre that will showcase what the area has," Cr Grant said.
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There area will be a precinct for the community and visitors, which will hopefully encourage people to spend more of their time exploring not only Cameron Park but the new VIC, the pool and main street, Cr Grant said.
"Hopefully it entices people to stop and see what's around," he said.
"To showcase the whole history of the area and Wellington."