Mayor Michael Pearce said Uralla Shire Council's new Aboriginal cultural display will show off local indigenous artefacts and help forge new tourism and community links for the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Cr Pearce said a $16,196 NSW Government grant would see council work with local Aboriginal Elders to showcase traditional pieces, and provide a better understanding of the local Anaiwan heritage.
ALSO READ:
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall were guests at Tuesday's announcement at the Uralla Visitor Information Centre, which was attended by about 70 people from throughout the region.
Cr Pearce said the grant would be used to set up artefacts in special display cabinets in the soon-to-be upgraded Information Centre.
"Everyone identifies Uralla with history, culture and the arts, and this is a perfect example of our history," he said.
"We've got some magnificent artefacts in there, axe handles, axe heads and spearheads. It's extremely important to acknowledge and respect our local people, they're the first Australians, we came in after.
"I'm very happy to be here today to be a part of this ceremony, to pay respect to our local Anaiwan people."
Cr Pearce said it was very humbling to see so many people attending the day.
Mr Marshall said Uralla had never had a dedicated space to display Aboriginal artefacts, but will now also preserve local heritage for future generations.
"It will add another dimension to a tourist information centre that is increasingly attracting visitors who want to see and learn more about what Uralla has to offer," he said
Local Anaiwan Elder Uncle Les Townsend paid tribute to Uralla Shire Council and others instrumental in making the project happen.
Elder Kathy Kelly, part of the team at the visitor information centre, said the project and grant was a small step, but another in the broader reconciliation story.
