Bankstown’s brand-new cultural space, with a focus on bringing together the First Nations and non-Indigenous community, is set to open its doors.

After a decade of discussions, the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s First Nations Cultural Hub and Resource Centre, Eora Matta, has been approved to operate for a two-year trial period at Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre.

In the Darug language, Eora Matta translates to “people’s meeting (place)”.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said Eora Matta will bring the community together to maintain, promote and learn about First Nations culture.

“This will include regular programs, cultural awareness training, Aboriginal art lessons, drop-in sessions and local support services,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“Through empowerment and building the capacity of our local First Nations community to share its cultural heritage, we can better work towards reconciliation.”

Council has appointed Bankstown Community Resource Group (BCRG), which runs a number of Aboriginal programs in the community, as the anchor organisation for Eora Matta.

BCRG Executive Officer Louise Scarcella said the organisation is excited and privileged to be appointed as the anchor organisation for Eora Matta.

“This is something the local community and services have wanted for a long time,” Ms Scarcella said.

“The First Nations Cultural Hub will focus on providing a space to bring community together and maintain and promote First Nations culture.

“It will be an asset to the community and provide cultural awareness training and resources for all.”

A steering committee of key local First Nations stakeholders will oversee operations of The Hub, including Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, SWSLHD – Aboriginal Health Service, Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and local Aboriginal Elders.

Eora Matta will open to the community on Saturday 15 June 2024 and will have spaces available to run or attend First Nations programs. For more information, visit cb.city/EoraMatta

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and workers are invited to attend a Community Yarn Up on Wednesday 1 May from 5.30-7.30pm to learn more about Eora Matta. To register, call Bernie Compton on 0413 825 271.