Published: 25 June 2021
Tourism WA’s Destination Development team have a renewed enthusiasm to encourage the development of incredible tourism experiences and destinations in our State, after a recent visit to Northam to learn more about Western Australia’s Aboriginal culture.
The team’s visit started with a yarn around the campfire with Shire of Northam CEO Jason Whiteaker, Community Services Executive Manager Jo Metcalf, and local Aboriginal Elder Kathy. A trip to the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge, followed. The Centre is a regional tourist attraction offering visitors an interactive educational experience of Nyoongar people and culture.
Acting Executive Director of Destination Development, Renata Lowe, said gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture was especially important for the team.
“Our team has a particular focus on growing Aboriginal tourism in the State as we know that WA Aboriginal cultural experiences give us a unique point of difference over other destinations,” she said.
“This visit gave us the opportunity to learn from informed guides about Aboriginal artefacts, medicines, trails and Dreamtime, as well as hearing stories from survivors and descendants of the Stolen Generation. It was a very moving and insightful experience.”
The team also learned more about region’s attractions with a visit to Northam’s historic Farmers’ Home Hotel, originally opened in 1866 and recently restored by the Dome Group. Nigel Oakey, Owner and Director of the Dome Group, explained the remarkable story of the property’s restoration, which has made it a drawcard for visitors.
Find out more about the Destination Development team on our tourism development page.