Continued services for Bourke’s Indigenous community

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, today visited Bourke to announce the Indigenous Land Corporation will buy the former Indigenous Coordination Centre in Mertin Street office building from the Australian Government.

Ms Macklin said the sale means the building will continue to be used to provide services that benefit Indigenous people in Bourke and the region.

“The Indigenous Land Corporation will be seeking to lease office space to one or more organisations that will deliver programs and services for Indigenous people,” Ms Macklin said.

“The Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly will also continue to use the building to carry out its work in the region.

“The Indigenous Land Corporation will also be working with the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly to identify an appropriate Indigenous organisation to manage the building, including leases with service organisations.

“This will be a great outcome for the Bourke and regional Indigenous community, as it will see programs and services being provided from the building for years to come, as well as Indigenous ownership of the property.

“The Indigenous Land Corporation is an independent statutory authority of the Australian Government with a strong record of successful investments leading to Indigenous economic development, increased employment and environmental benefits.

“I congratulate the Indigenous Land Corporation on the purchase of this property, and look forward to seeing the positive effects it will have on the Bourke community.”