YOUR COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS APPRECIATED
Last year I visited Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Tweed Head and had a wonderful time exploring the indigenous history of the area.

It made me realize that throughout Australia there are many such centres with a wealth of information and history, you don't always have to travel to remote areas. A lot of these centre's don't have any government funding and are self-supporting.

I'd love to hear more about these Centre's and where they are located. If you have visited a Centre, or there is one near you please let me know and I'll pass on the information and your comments via this page so that others can share in this valuable cultural experience. Jpg images if you have any. Email: info@makingtracks.com.au

MINJUNGBAL ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE

Located at South Tweed Heads, New South Wales near the Queensland border, this centre provides a facility for all people to explore and enjoy the beauty of the native coastal bushland environment.

Learn how Aboriginal people lived, hunted, fished and how they made and used tools weapons and bark canoes. Also learn the fascinating history of how the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Tweed Aborigines were influenced by the influx of Pacific Islander (Kanaka) refugees from the infamous Queenslander "black-birding" days of the early 19th century.

Explore the sacred ceremonal sites.

Picnic and BBQ facilities available

Museum and gift shop

Entry to Museum
Adults $15.00
Child (5yr & over), Students, Pensioners $7.50

Open 9am - 4pm

Kirkwood road, South Tweed Heads
Phone (07) 5524 2109

TO GET THERE..... turn east into Kirwood Road off the Pacific Highway (near Tweed City Shopping Mall), centre at end of Kirkwood Road.

WORN GUNDIDG

Tower Hill, Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool. Victoria

Worn Gundidg Aboriginal cooperative is now in partnership with Parks victoria and is involved in the revegetation and has introduced new cross-cultural attractions to the reserve.

Nestled in the crater of a dormant volcano just 13 Km south-west of Warrnambool it is a haven for wildlife, a fascinating ecological site and a showcase for local indigenous culture.

Artefacts found in the layers of exposed ash show that Aboriginal people were living in the area at the time of the eruption, around 30,000 years ago. spear throwing, painting, boomerang throwing, dancing and traditional ceremonies are also part of the indigenous experience available at Worn Gundidg, Tower Hill.

A retail store sells a range of screenprinted textiles and wooden artefacts made locally, as well as indigenous foods. The visitor centre is open Monday to Friday 9 - 5 and weekends and public holidays from 10 - 4. Nature based cutlural walks and Night walks are available, bookings essential. Phone: 03 5561 5315

BRAMBUK - a symbol of renewal

Brambuk is located on the Grampians road at Halls Gap, Victoria, the centre's distinctive building in the shape of a cockatoo spreading its wings.

Ownership of Brambuk is shared between five Aboriginal communities with links to the Gariwerd-Grampians ranges and the surrounding plains.

The centre aims to bring to life the history and culture of the Aboriginal communities of south-western Victoria, by offering visitors information on cultural heritage and local rock art sites.

In the Dreaming Theatre the creation story of Gariwerd is depicted. A cafe, displays and souvenir shop are also in the centre. The cafe is far from average, with bush tucker fare, kangaroo burgers and emu kebabs available. There is a huge range of activites on offer, from ranger walks, talks, theatre, dance, food making and tasting, art and activities aimed a family groups.

Brambuk National Park and cultural Centre is open from 9 - 5 daily and admission is free. Ph: 03 5356 4452

NARANA

Narana Creations has a lengthy history in both Aboriginal cultural education and tourism. The organisation was created via the Uniting Church's decision to fund a practical effort toward reconciliation, it has grown over the years and now employs about 10 people and can be found on the Surf coast Highway, halfway between Geelong and Torquay. The word Narana means to listen, to hear and to understand and has been the basis fro the school education programs which have operated at the centre.. the not-for-profit organisation operates a significant arts and crafts gallery and is open from 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10 - 4 Saturdays. Ph: 5241 5700, 410 surfcoast Highway, Grovedale. Mel. Ref 465 G11

KIRRIT BARREET ABORIGINAL ART & CULTURAL CENTRE

I would like to thank Simon Maynard for sending me information re Kirrit Barreet, the site looks fantastic, looks a really interesting place to visit.....Jude

following information from site.....

"Kirrit Barreet (meaning place of creation) is an art and cultural centre that exhibits high quality local and regional contemporary and traditional Aboriginal art and craft. The centre was established by the Ballarat Aboriginal community as a way to preserve cultural identity and educate non-Indigenous people about both Koorie culture and the local Wathaurong tribe.

Kirrit Barreet is an education centre. Visitors to the Aboriginal owned and operated centre can enjoy educational tours, cultural talks, an art gallery, profiling Victorian Aboriginal artists and a retail shop stocking a wide variety of predominantly Aboriginal Victorian arts and crafts, including an extensive bookshop and educational resources. Activities such as didgeridoo playing, boomerang painting and throwing are available.

There is also have an indigenous plant garden and feature garden."

go to the KIRRIT BARREET ABORIGINAL ART & CULTURAL CENTRE site