Yarkuwa celebrated in opening ceremony

Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre Aboriginal Corporation Jeanette Crew OAM said it was timed specifically to coincide with the 2025 NSW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Arts Association’s annual conference, hosted at the centre over three days.

The conference brings together operators of Aboriginal cultural centres to share their experiences and learn.

“On behalf of Yarkuwa, I would like to express my gratitude to the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, who supported the conference and the KINJA performance at the opening, and the National Indigenous Australians Agency that supported the opening event and the appearance of the Benny Walker Band,” Mrs Crew said.

“I also want to take this opportunity to express my deep thanks to all those members and friends of Yarkuwa who worked tirelessly to make sure that the conference and opening was a success.

“Yarkuwa’s new premises would also not be possible without the financial support of Create New South Wales and the New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

“Yarkuwa’s opening marks a new chapter that started more than 20 years ago.

“Over that time, its work has invested more than $20 million dollars into the local economy and provided employment opportunities for more than 100 members of our community.”

Mrs Crew also expressed thanks to those who attended the celebration, and said Yarkuwa looks forward to continuing its work with the Edward River Council, Deniliquin education sector, Murray Local Land Services, NSW National Park and Wildlife Service, Charles Sturt University and the Edward River community.

“Importantly, we are proud to have provided a new state-of-the-art venue in town, a permanent cultural museum and arts centre, a centre to share knowledge and build community relationships,” Mrs Crew said.

The upgrades were all completed with support from local trades and businesses, who were also celebrated at the event.

MC for the night was Steven Ross, with Mrs Crew delivering and explaining the importance of the Welcome to Country.

Yarkuwa manager David Crew then completed the thank yous to the funding bodies - NSW Aboriginal Affairs, Create NSW, Aboriginal Language Trust and the National Indigenous Australians Agency - and the contractors including Precise Build, John James Electrical, Patrick Keane Plumbing, Ben Harris Garden Design, Visattak and Tom Butcher Constructions.

Other guest speakers included Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall and AACHA representative Steve Miller - a Wiradjuri man based in Gamillaroi Country.

Former NSW Minister for Arts Ben Franklin, who announced the initial funding to start the project, sent in a video message of congratulations which was played to the crowd, followed by a series of interviews with Yarkuwa staff members about the impact of the centre and the role it continues to play today.

Members from the current iteration of the Deniliquin TAFE course that Yarkuwa formed in 2003 performed two songs - one in local language and a version of Archie Roach’s Took the Children Away.

Other entertainment was provided by Yarkuwa’s own Waripa Dancers, Musical duo KINJA - which includes Wamba Wamba musician Ron Murray and fiddler Sarah James - and Echuca-based Benny Walker Band.

This less formal part of the evening allowed the many people who attended to eat, drink, socialise and explore the newly opened museum and workspaces.