Seeking more members for Wiradjuri Technical Advisory Panel

Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is seeking nominations from residents in the Local Government Area (LGA) to join the existing Wiradjuri Technical Advisory Panel (WTAP). The panel has been working with DRC since its inception in February 2020, and is now seeking more members to be involved with the panel, to help drive robust conversation and make important decisions about the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre.

The advisory panel helps steer and culturally guide the direction of the Dubbo Wiradjuri Tourism Centre development, which is part of the $13 million Destination Dubbo project. The role of the panel is to provide cultural advice to the project staff and communicate panel-made decisions and project progress to community. Council is seeking nominations from residents within the LGA for newly opened positions on the Wiradjuri Technical Advisory Panel. DRC’s Tourism Product Development Manager Nicola Chandler, says the WTAP will also play in integral role in the repatriation of culturally-significant carved trees.

“The Panel will also provide advice to Council on Aboriginal cultural elements within other ‘Destination Dubbo’ projects including the Macquarie Street Heritage Public Plaza and Public Artwork. It is vitally important that the projects reflect community input and ideas and that specific elements fully consider, reflect and represent Wiradjuri culture.

Council is consulting with community to ensure correct cultural practices throughout the project process, and panel members play an important role in providing a conduit from Council to the many stakeholders of how the exciting project is progressing” said Ms Chandler.

As with other panels, Members will include Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields, (or his nominee) but any Councillor can attend meetings if they wish. The role of the panel is to provide technical (cultural/business/engagement) advice to Council and the project staff.

The WTAP will be skill-based with a proposed makeup as follows;

  • The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson from the Dubbo Aboriginal Community Working Party
  • Two (2) members with a background in Wiradjuri culture and language
  • Two (2) members with a background in tourism operations
  • Two (2) members with a background in economic development with a focus on business/employment/skills
  • Two (2) members with a background in local Aboriginal community engagement
  • Two (2) members representing Aboriginal youth (16 – 25years)

“The development process of this product will be facilitated by Council, but the experience creation will be led by community. Defining how our local community want to celebrate their culture, share their story and enhance their offerings to the visitor market must come from community,” said Ms Chandler.

This partnered approach will ensure the tourism experience is authentic and the community’s social, cultural and economic objectives are defined, agreed and delivered. Importantly, this partnered approach will also achieve desired levels of community and business engagement to support the centre’s long term sustainability.

Source: DRC