The Cultural Centre will receive $234,900, over a three-year period, to strengthen its governance and business practices, under a grant with a name and purpose that it prefers not to disclose.

The funding was hard-won: Labor Minister Peter Garrett gave approval for this funding to just four organisations in the east coast region, which stretches from Queensland to Victoria.

In order to win this funding, the centre had to produce a detailed three-year strategic business plan and audited triennial statements, demonstrating a successful funding history with other Federal, State or Local government grants received in the last five years.

The funding will enable the cultural centre to further its work with Indigenous artists and cultural icons.

Director of the Cultural Centre Daisy William welcomed the funding.

“We take seriously our obligation to fulfil the terms of the funding agreement and will continue to be totally accountable and transparent in the manager of the centre,” Ms William said.