Word from our Board

The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence was officially launched late last month by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, at a truly momentous ceremony that was opened by a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony and concluded with a musical performance by Indigenous acoustic duo Microwave Jenny.

The launch was also attended by politicians, sports people, business and community leaders, including:

• The Governor of NSW Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO
• NSW Premier Kristina Keneally
• Federal Ministers Jenny Macklin, Tanya Plibersek and Warren Snowdon
• NSW Minister for Community Services and Women Linda Burney
• Members of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Swans
• Various leaders and supporters from Redfern and the wider Indigenous community

Prime Minister Rudd and Premier Keneally were also taken on a personal tour of the Centre by Indigenous Land Corporation Chairperson Shirley McPherson, National Centre of Indigenous Excellence CEO Jason Glanville and myself.

More images on the NCIE Launch page

Prior to the official launch, the local community was given a sneak preview of the Centre at a Community Open Day held in January to mark the beginning of operation. Since then, we have been blown away by the response of the community, with over 800 local residents signing up for gym membership already and attendance growing every day. Don't forget that the Eora Sports and Recreation Centre (SARC) is for everybody - and every body - so if you're in the South Sydney area, come down and have a look!

This month we continue our series of Advocate profiles with a look at former Australian Idol winner and National Centre of Indigenous Excellence Advocate, Casey Donovan. Casey is keeping busy acting in Tony Briggs' play, The Sapphires, but found some time to have a chat to us about why she supports the Centre.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and all the staff at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, I'd like to thank everyone that attended the launch, members of the local community and our various other friends for your ongoing support. We are delighted that our dream has become a reality and we now look forward to making the same happen for young Indigenous people across Australia.

As always, for all the latest news and information head to our website, www.ncie.org.au. We will update you on all the happenings at the Centre in next month's newsletter.

Best Regards,

Sam Jeffries
National Centre of Indigenous Excellence co-Chairperson