Aboriginal engagement

The project's Aboriginal engagement strategy embeds Aboriginal community engagement, cultural decision-making and governance in the development of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Aboriginal-informed decision making

The innovative Aboriginal Cultural Centre project governance and advisory model has enabled Aboriginal representation at all levels of decision-making.

• 6 Whadjuk Noongar representatives on phase one Steering Committee
• 9 Aboriginal members from across WA on phase two Steering Committee
• 2 Aboriginal Steering Committee members on Project Control Group
• Establishment of the Whadjuk Reference Group
• Establishment of statewide Cultural Advisory Group

Speaking with community

Between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2025 we spoke with 141 Aboriginal organisations, peak bodies, representative bodies or community groups across 223 engagements, speaking directly with 2,150 people.

As project planning progresses, engagement continues to expand in both breadth and depth with communities across Western Australia.

This has included the establishment of the statewide Cultural Advisory Group in May 2025, and planned partnerships with regional organisations with strong community and cultural connections.

This will provide an opportunity to update the wider Aboriginal community on progress of the project and to seek further feedback on the vision, functions and scope of the centre.