‘Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre’ (Muru Mittigar) was established and running from December 1998 but was officially opened as a meeting place for sharing cultures in November 1999.
Muru Mittigar is located at Penrith on the outskirts of metropolitan Sydney, NSW. Situated at the base of the Blue Mountains and adjacent to the banks of the Hawkesbury / Nepean River, the centre was originally established by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation as part of the development of the Penrith Lakes Scheme. The project was initially funded under the Federal Government’s ‘Regional Assistance Program’ (RAP) who sought to investigate, develop and operate an Aboriginal Culture Centre. Primary objects of the project were:
- To create better understanding of Aboriginal culture in the wider community;
- Create new jobs;
- Develop skills training;
- Increase the economic benefits of tourism to the region, and increase training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
Ten years on, the dream is a sustainable reality. Muru Mittigar is independently managed by a Board of Directors and functions as a registered company and Public Benevolent Institution (charity). Muru Mittigar is an entirely self financing 'fee for service' model and relies on zero government funding for the day-to-day operations.
The Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre was established to recognise the cultural significance of Penrith Lakes Scheme (and its adjacent environs) as 'Darug country' to preserve and celebrate Darug heritage (particularly through the establishment of a 'Keeping Place'); engage the wider community in the life and culture of the Darug; empower Aboriginal people through education, training and employment and recognise the right of Aboriginal people to participate in decisions that affect them and 'their country'.
Muru Mittigar is an award-winning Aboriginal Cultural and Educational Centre, with 36 employees (22 of these Aboriginal). Muru Mittigar Limited is no longer reliant on government funding.
Muru promotes an awareness of Aboriginal culture, customs and traditions in all its business activities.
