Centre reopens for indigenous community

There is a new and improved centre to support Katanning’s indigenous community after the Katanning Aboriginal Corporation was re-established about one month ago.

The corporation provided services from employment assistance as well as a venue to organise events for the indigenous community.

KAC was re-established at the end of October and early November after Kathleen Farmer was appointed chairwoman of the organisation.

The KAC had shut down because of challenges in paying for land rates for its Noongar Centre.

Ms Farmer said about 18 months ago land rates had accumulated to about $15,000.

“Due to the accumulating land rates the Shire indicated that they would sell the land off,” she said.

Through assistance from South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and the Shire, KAC paid off some of the rates and is now seeking to get the rates exempt by proving it is a not-for-profit organisation.

Ms Farmer said the corporation hoped to commence community activities next year, with a focus on Katanning’s youth.

“We are making finding applications to help get us going… public liability insurance is another challenge,” she said.

“We want the centre to provide a space for community activities… the centre does not belong to one person but the whole community.”

Plans are in place to form elders and youth committees to identify leaders in the community.

“We need leaders, positive people that are willing to give anything a go and build self-confidence,” Ms Farmer said.

KAC has also become a key player in the Katanning park development business case, which was passed at a recent Shire council meeting. There are plans for a bridge to be developed linking it to the Noongar Centre.