Press Release - Bob Weatherall

The Indigenous People of Queensland welcome the Queensland Government’s commitment to a new National Indigenous Cultural Centre, Mr Bob Weatherall, Chair of the Centre for Indigenous Cultural Policy, said today.

“This represents a major outcome from the twelve months of discussions between the Government and the Centre for Indigenous Cultural Policy,” Mr Weatherall noted.

Mr Weatherall applauded the commitment by the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Ms Lesley Nelson-Carr, that the Queensland Government XXX,

“Coming on top of a similar commitment by the Premier, Ms Anna Bligh, to establish a XXX, we see this as a real endorsement of the Indigenous Cultural Centre concept the Centre for Indigenous Cultural Policy has promoted.

“The involvement of all key Queensland Government Departments in these discussions, at the highest level, has set a good basis for the planning for the new Centre and we appreciate their support.”

“The Founding Directors of the CICP, all Indigenous Queenslanders who are leaders in Indigenous Cultural Heritage and the Arts, look forward to working with the Government on this.

We will also support the Queensland Government’s approach to the Commonwealth Government for support for this initiative.” Mr Weatherall said.

“We also appreciate the support of the Lord Mayor of Brisbane on this project” Mr Weatherall added.

“The Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, has been very encouraging and has a real vision for the opportunities to share a living reflection of the two Indigenous cultures of Queensland – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – with the people of Brisbane as well as visitors from interstate and overseas.”

Mr Weatherall also welcomed the commitment by the Queensland Government to continue discussions on a new policy on the Repatriation of Indigenous Human Remains and Cultural Materials.

“For over 25 years we have been seeking to establish a process that treats the remains of our ancestors with proper dignity and respect” Mr Weatherall noted. “We believe this can be achieved through a new Keeping Place for Indigenous Remains, which will guide the process of Repatriation” he added.

“The leadership that the Queensland Government is showing through these commitments is appreciated by the Indigenous People of Queensland. We think that this makes a substantial contribution to Reconciliation, Mr Weatherall suggested.