ClubGrants received more than 900 expressions of interest with only a selected few applicants asked to submit a full application.

If successful, a major outcome for the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre will be to deliver an archive room that is capable of holding materials in a controlled environment (both temperature and humidity) for many years to come, essentially, preserving the collection for future generations. 

Other works planned for the centre include painting, finishes and new carpet, furniture and fittings. 

The existing toilets in the facility will be upgraded to include disabled access and the wheelchair access ramp will be rebuilt to modern standards. 

The council and the State Library of NSW have developed a close working relationship. Last week the Dhiiyaan centre was visited by State Library staff led by indigenous services librarian Ronald Briggs, who assisted local staff to rehouse much of the collection into archive boxes to preserve the collection long-term.

Director of corporate services, Mitchell Johnson said the work being undertaken by the centre benefited all aspects of cultural identity.

“The centre has become a source of strength and knowledge to the Kamilaroi people of NSW,” he said. 

Should the ClubGrants funding application be successful, it will be used to deliver an accessible community facility with greatly enhanced capabilities which can preserve and showcase the strong culture of the Kamilaroi nation. 

It will also enable new programs and services to be delivered in a culturally safe environment and improvements to the layout, access to technology, meeting rooms and galleries will attract new user groups to the centre.

“Council is committed to the success of the centre and this is why we are seeking funds to refurbish and, at the same time, preserve the collection for future generations.”