In a day of celebration on 6 June, Halls Creek in Western Australia opened its new Community Resource Centre. Officially opened by the then Governor General of Australia, Sir William and Lady Deane, the Community Resource Centre provides a top class facility for the people of Halls Creek.
Attendees at the event witnessed the combination of the world’s oldest culture and today’s high tech facilities.
Halls Creek Shire President, the first female Aboriginal Local Government President in Australia, Josie Farrer, said the day was a huge success. Over 200 hundred people attended the festivities, including politicians, local community members and people from all over the Kimberley.
“The Halls Creek community were excitedly anticipating the event during its lead up, and I am glad that the end result is something the community can be proud of,” Councillor Farrer said. “With the new Centre, Halls Creek services are now physically under one roof, making it easier for the community to access them. The Centre will hopefully increase awareness of the services available, in turn increasing their use.”
The festivities continued well into the night with activities including breakfast in the Town Park, a carnival, tours of the Centre and a march of Unity for Reconciliation.
The official unveiling of the Jack Jugarie Statue took place, as well as a reconciliation concert featuring local talent and a guest performance by Troy Cassar-Daly in solo acoustic mode. Cultural events included the Aboriginal Fine Art Exhibition, corroboree, storytelling and expo displays with a variety of local and regional service providers.
