Rick Wilson delivers $5.2m to build Southern Aboriginal Corporation Kairli Cultural and Language Centre

Another jewel will soon be set into the crown of Albany’s foreshore, as funding is secured to construct an Aboriginal cultural centre that will operate on the waterfront precinct. Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson announced $5.2 million for the Kairli Cultural and Language Centre project on January 9, with the tender to go out later this year. Run by the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, the centre will include a Noongar language and healing centre, art gallery, interpretive displays, community meeting spaces, an Indigenous enterprise development hub and the relocated SAC headquarters. SAC chief executive Asha Bhat said the land for the centre — located at 4 Toll Place, next to the Albany Entertainment Centre — was purchased in 2019 with the intention of creating a hub for Noongar people and a unique tourism facility for the wider community. “Aboriginal tourism presents a major economic opportunity in Australia, and Albany and the Great Southern region have yet to fully engage in this market,” she said. “Once established, Kairli will be a vibrant cultural hub that attracts residents and visitors. “Kairli will promote activities such as cultural workshops, guided tours and events that will showcase Noongar traditions, art and culture. “By offering immersive experiences, Kairli will attract tourists interested in genuine cultural engagement, stimulating demand for local businesses, particularly in accommodation and hospitality.” Mr Wilson, who announced the Kairli centre as one of four south coast projects sharing in $37m for the Growing Regions Program, said the funding is significant in the wake of Albany’s upcoming bicentenary in 2026. “Earlier, Southern Aboriginal Corporation purchased the block of land for this project on a site beside the Albany Entertainment Centre not far from where Major Lockyer pulled ashore in 1826,” he said. “Albany was the first settlement in WA where Aboriginal and European people learned to live together, and the Kairli Centre will be a place of cross-cultural connection.” Mr Wilson applauded the “initiative and persistence” of the successful funding applicants — the other projects included upgrades to the Albany Regional Airport runway ($14.6m), a community hub on James Street in Esperance ($14.9m) and development around Berridge Park in Denmark ($2.1m).