Waddi Cultural Centre Grand Opening Success

People from all over the region turned out to celebrate the grand opening of the Waddi Cultural Information Centre in Darlington Point on Wednesday, August 9.

The event was attended by regional Government representatives, local Councillors and management, community partners, Waddi members and local business houses.

One hundred people attended the significant event.

Situated in the heart of the Wiradjuri Nation, the Waddi Cultural /Information Centre will offer an exploration of local arts, history and culture.

In 2015, Waddi Housing and Advancement Corporation LTD had their local office condemned and it was then that the idea was sparked to replace the area with a cultural garden and rejuvenate the Community Centre, which had been outdated and not used to its full potential, into a Cultural Information Centre.

The Stronger Communities Funding Program granted the Corporation $380,000 for the rejuvenation and Murrumbidgee Council partnered with them to create the new Cultural Information Centre for the region.

This spectacular new cultural centre features artworks by renowned artist Allan McKenzie, Owen Lyons and up-and-coming artist Karissa Undy - KPU Creative.

Weaving by Paula Undy and hand-crafted didgeridoos by Ben Curphey and other local Darlington Point Wiradjuri artists are displayed.

The grand opening event held a traditional welcome to ceremony conducted by Uncle Michael Lyons, followed by the Marrambidya Dance Group, a didgeridoo performance by Ben Curphey and River Maxwell and an Oral Histories of the Warrangesda Mission book launch.

Waddi Housing and Advancement Corporation Chair, Maria Williams gave a “Dare to Dream” speech about the centre becoming a reality.

She also paid tribute to Kellie Edwards, a past member who inspired the idea of a cultural centre.

The Centre will be open for viewing, offering visitors an impressive journey into Waddi’s cultural history and vibrant present.

Historian and author, Peter Kabaila was also at the launch.

Kabaila is the author of several non-fiction books recording the history of Aboriginal settlements in the 20th Century.

He was instrumental in capturing the Warrangesda Aboriginal Mission story and his storyboards are also on display at the Waddi Cultural Centre.

Rocco Pirrottina, Distant Light Productions, filmed a professional video of the event, The Waddi Cultural Centre is a modern space dedicated to promoting and preserving the local culture, heritage, and arts of Waddi.

The Centre aims to foster a better understanding and appreciation of Waddi’s unique cultural identity, providing interactive learning experiences for visitors of all ages.

Through a variety of programs, exhibitions and events, the Centre aspires to connect past, present and future generations.

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• Community Groups