The first sod has been turned at the Yanmali Aboriginal Child and Family Centre. It happened on Thursday 9 July, during NAIDOC Week.

Kate Washington, the NSW Minister for Families and Communities, came to Bourke to launch the project.

A lot of people came out for it. Stephen Lawrence MLC. Bourke Mayor Lachlan Ford. Phil Sullivan, Alister Ferguson, Pat Canty and Maxine Mackay. Staff from Bourke & District Children’s Services and Maranguka. And plenty of community.

Our kids from the childcare centre next door did the Acknowledgement of Country with Uncle Phil and Uncle Bob.

Prue Ritchie, General Manager at BDCS, was Emcee. “This Hub will create a culturally safe space where families and community members can come together, a place of active reconciliation, genuine employment opportunities, and strengthened connections,” she said. “It will help make our community stronger while addressing the underlying causes of disadvantage.”

We heard from the Minister, from Alister and from Pat. Then the first sod was turned.

“Aboriginal Child and Family Centres are a game-changer for local communities, providing everything young families need to give their little ones the best start in life, all in one place,” Minister Washington said.

Afterwards everyone stayed for a yarn over refreshments in the winter sun. Family photos from the Maternity and Wellbeing project with Connected Beginnings were on display.

The Centre is due to open in Autumn 2027.