Blacktown City Council and Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic joined forces to assist Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation with upgrades to their current facilities.
After a successful application through the Federal Stronger Communities Grants Program, the Rutherglen Community Centre, which is regularly used as a base for Baabayn Aboriginal Corporations community-focused activities, will receive much needed upgrades to the kitchen facilities.
The group has already been given free use of the old caretakers cottage at Rutherglen Community Centre in Blackett, and the grant means we can upgrade the kitchen and put in new flooring, the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.
Through Federal MP Ed Husics sponsorship, Blacktown City Council applied for and received a $15,000 dollar for dollar grant under the Federal Stronger Communities Program.
Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation provides vital services to the local Aboriginal community, and their community activities are in such high demand that they need new updated facilities.
This Federal initiative along with Blacktown City Councils help means this remarkable group will have $30,000 for a project that will provide enormous benefits to our local community, said Mr Husic.
Known locally as the Baabayn Women, the organisation works with local Darug groups and the Aboriginal Medical Service to deliver vital cultural and family support services to the community.
Current services include:

Family drop-in services (up to 40 people/session) with guest speakers addressing legal aid, early childhood and parenting;


Homework club (up to 15 students/session);


Supervised outings (up to 70 people/session) to the Blue Mountains and South Coast; and


Home delivery/shopping service through two donated cars.