The Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge (BKB Centre) is located in the Shire of Northam on the foreshore of the Avon River in Northam’s CBD. This regional tourist attraction offers an interactive educational experience that recognises the rich Aboriginal and environmental presence in the Nyoongar Ballardong region. The Centre will protect, celebrate and share the culture of the Nyoongar people and highlight land management practices that draws upon the knowledge of the land’s traditional custodians.
The Shire of Northam Aboriginal Advisory Group (AAG) has provided cultural guidance to the Shire of Northam with the development and operation of the BKB Centre and will continue to support the operation of the BKB Centre, to ensure that a focus on culture is appropriately maintained and that the BKB Centre continues to represent and connect with the Aboriginal community.
The 12 core members of the AAG are elected from within the Nyoongar community and the members contribute to discussions and decision of the development and operation of the BKB Centre. The 2017/18 members of the AAG are:
Kathleen Davis – Respected Elder
Pat Davis – Respected Elder and Language Specialist
Boyd Kickett – Respected Elder and Botanical Specialist
Janet Kickett – Respected Elder
Yvonne Kickett – Respected Elder and Botanical Specialist
Claire McGuire – Respected Elder
Deborah Moody – Respected Elder and Language Specialist
Maria Nickels – Respected Elder
Veronica McGuire – Respected Elder
Delys Dick – Community Member
Rueben Kickett – Community Member; Younger Generations
Kirk Garlett – Art and Culture Knowledge; Younger Generations
The Shire of Northam and the AAG would like to acknowledge the positive impact that Nyoongar Elder, Mark Davis (dec.), had on his community. He was heavily involved in the development of the BKB Centre, being one of the key elders who represented the Aboriginal community on the Centre’s Aboriginal Advisory Group. He was very passionate about ensuring that the history of the Nyoongar people in the Ballardong area was accurately recorded.
key partners
The development of the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre of Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge was made possible through the support of our key partners:
National Stronger Regions Fund supported by the Australian Government; Lotterywest; and Government of Western Australia and Wheatbelt Development Commission supported by Royalties for Regions.
