The Baakantji People are synonymous with the Darling River, which holds significant cultural and heritage value to the people and the community. There is also a strong European influence on the community given the paddle boat trade that was prominent in the early days of settlement up until modern road transport took over.

Work has commenced in Wilcannia on a new cultural centre for the Baakantji people to practise their living culture, including their art, recorded history and tradition.  The new centre will provide a keeping place for Baakantji artifacts, language, and memories.  It will also support inter-generational and inter-cultural teaching through the keeping place and language lab that has partnerships with local schools and research institutions.

Engagement with the local community is a key aspect of the project.  NSW Public Works' project management team, along with our State and Commonwealth partners, have set up a Project Control Group, which includes members of the Baaka Cultural Centre Corporation, Central Darling Shire Council, and other community members of Wilcannia.

The new Centre is being constructed on the site of the derelict heritage ‘Knox and Downs’ store building.  “It is interesting, given so many of the Elders had worked in the original Knox and Downs store; their passion to retain some of the original features is strong” said Peter Hughes, NSW Public Works Project Manager.  Incorporation of the refurbished Knox and Downs building into the new Centre will restore a sense of pride, ownership and culture to the entire community.

A priority for the project is providing employment opportunities for the people of the town that also focuses on skills training and development. NSW Public Works are working collaboratively with NSW TAFE and the local training and employment group in Western NSW, to deliver training and employment referral services.

NSW Public Works Project Manager, Peter Hughes and Construction Manager, Paul Theoharidis are leading the delivery of the project, which is expected to be completed and operational in early 2022.