Indigenous academy aims high

BY BRITTNEY KLEYN

Construction has begun on Australia’s first national sports academy for indigenous athletes.

The Redfern sports centre was first proposed two years ago and will include a 25-metre pool as well as indoor and outdoor training areas.

“We want it to be a centre of excellence,” National Indigenous Land Corporation chairwoman Shirley McPherson said.

But the initial construction phase has not been without controversy. A man accused of defrauding the NSW Fire Brigades of $1.5 million was, until last Monday, planning development manager for the centre.

The allegations have raised concerns about other Indigenous Land Corporation projects, namely, the $8-million Black Theatre redevelopment and the National Indigenous Development Centre.

Eager to remain positive about this latest project, Ms McPherson said the sports centre would be modelled on the successful Australian Rules Clontarf Academy in Western Australia.

The Indigenous Land Corporation bought the former school for almost $15 million in 2006. When completed in August 2009, the sports academy will house the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team and the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Association.

Reverend Bill Crews’ Exodus Foundation will also run leadership, arts and literacy programs at the centre.

Ms McPherson said the sports academy would be also benefit neighbours such as the YMCA, which will be allowed to make use of the facilities.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin announced a $24 million donation for the construction, a $5-million improvement on the Federal Government’s original pledge.

Around 5000 of Australia’s indigenous youth are expected to flow through the centre each year, with up to 100 adolescents at a time staying in nearby hostels.

But plans to transport youth from rural areas of Australia have not yet been arranged.

NSW planning minister Frank Sartor was also at the construction launch, sporting fluoro with local member Kristina Keneally.