Investment supports Tasmanian Aboriginal Heritage

Tuesday, 6 December 2011

A significant Aboriginal site in a remote area of Tasmania has been preserved thanks to an Australian Government investment of more than $387 000 to support jobs and community infrastructure.
The Needwonnee Heritage Walk promoting the Aboriginal heritage of the Melaleuca region was launched today by Senator the Hon Lisa Singh, Senator for Tasmania, on behalf Kate Ellis, Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care.
Senator Singh said the walk was created out of a highly successful partnership between the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.
“The Tasmanian Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife have been dedicated to interpreting the extraordinary Aboriginal values in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area,” she said.
“It is estimated that around 7000 visitors each year will make the journey to experience the creative interpretive installations on the banks of Melaleuca lagoon.”
The walk features a mix of contemporary and traditional pieces, mainly sculptures. One of the main installations is a traditional campsite with a hut, hunting tools and hearth fire made from materials found in the surrounding forest. “I would encourage all Australians to make their way to this wonderful part of the world and experience the beauty and history of this site firsthand,” Senator Singh said.
More than 10 Indigenous people were employed to interpret the significance of the site and create the heritage walk.
“The Needwonnee Walk is a great example of how well-targeted Australian Government investments are making a real difference to communities and individuals across Australia by improving employment prospects and promoting communities through heritage value,” Minister Ellis said.
The project was funded through the Australian Government’s Jobs Fund, which supports and creates jobs through projects that build community and social infrastructure.
Jobs Fund projects have substantially exceeded the expected employment outcomes nationwide, successfully supporting more than 10 000 jobs, over 2800 traineeships/ apprenticeships and more than 5300 work experience places.
Under the Get Communities Working and Local Jobs Fund, the Government has invested around $170 million in more than 220 projects across Australia.
For more information visit http://www.deewr.gov.au/employment/pages/jobsfund.aspx
Senator Singh’s media contact: Eliza Grey 0411 444 550
Minister Ellis’ media contact: Jamila Rizvi 0438 644 603
DEEWR Media: media@deewr.gov.au Non-media enquiries: 1300 363 079