Yes - a Marae in Greystanes, NSW

For over six years, Maori and the Indigenous Aboriginal community representatives within the Cumberland Council electorate have been negotiating with the Council to utilize the Hyland Road Reserve for a Marae, cultural centre.

In accordance with the NSW Local Government Act 1993, Cumberland Council have been provided with the prerequisite documentation and all legislative requirements have been met.

The Maori and Indigenous Aboriginal community representatives have been outstanding members of the Cumberland community.  Their events have been well attended and they work closely with local government agencies, nonprofits and schools in the area. I know that Cumberland Council wants to support local communities and we are calling on the Council to consider the benefits for the wider community and supporting the cultural inclusion that the marae will enable.

Maori and New Zealand have a 200+ year history with South Western Sydney and we continue to live and integrate into the Australian culture. It is however extremely important for our youth and families alike to have a place to connect with and maintain Maori cultural practices. All demographics and ethnicities in Cumberland will have access to the Marae as per our operational plan.

Recently, 2016 census data released this month indicated that in NSW, 42% of the population are born outside of Australia. Hence, projects like the Marae which support cultural and social inclusion are essential to the building of healthy communities.