The Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) has successfully obtained a second round of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program grant.
YYNAC chief executive officer Monica Morgan said the grant will go towards their new Knowledge, Research and Exhibition Centre.
“This will ensure we have an extensive archive of cultural materials, such as photos, videos, records of family histories and genealogies, Yorta Yorta language and contemporary and traditional art works,” Ms Morgan said.
“Cultural artefacts and objects will also be housed at the centre for all Yorta Yorta peoples to access and research.”
The new centre will showcase exhibitions organised by YYNAC and exhibitions made in collaboration with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Trust, Echuca Moama Bridge Arts Project, Shepparton Arts Museum, state and national museums and Aboriginal Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.
The first ACIP grant they received went towards stage one the building of the Yorta Yorta Nation head office in Barmah.
Ms Morgan said they were fortunate enough to have Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams personally open stage one in April, 2021.
“The facility has a large reception area, enough office space for 15 staff, a purpose-built archive room, two meeting spaces, an Elders room and boasts secure, off-street parking,” she said.
In the construction of the new centre, it is YYNAC’s priority to engage local trades companies.
The centre has been designed by local award-winning Gerard Brandrick Architects of Echuca.