Broome Circle receives $300,000 grant for new Empowerment Centre

A Kimberley not-for-profit organisation has received State funding to continue renovations on a new wellness centre in Broome.

Stage one of the refurbishment of the Broome Empowerment Centre, run by Broome Circle, which involved various works to meet structural standards was recently completed.

Now, thanks to a $370,000 Lotterywest grant, the organisation will begin renovations on the toilet and kitchen areas.

The centre is set to used for programs run by Broome Circle, including Artists Away From Home which gives Indigenous men and women a space to paint while in Broome.

Broome Circle executive officer Denisa Konecny said the space and the opportunity to make art gave people across the Kimberley a space to feel safe and connect with their culture.

“The space is really versatile ... and we aspire to make the facility a really vibrant, multi-purpose space that will serve all people in Broome and beyond,” she said.

“The Artists Away From Home program is already up and running. Art sustains them and enables them to be close to country.”

All artwork is then sent back to community art centres where they can be sold to benefit the community.

Broome Circle has also received a $48,000 grant for an all-access community garden.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna presented the grant to Ms Konecny at the space on Thursday and said she was really excited about the project.

“When I pulled up here, I could feel the vibe — this whole atmosphere,” she said, gesturing to the rows of tables where men and women from remote communities sat painting.

“The vision Broome Circle has for this place is something I’d really love to follow in the future.

“This place is really going to be special ... with all the art programs and the gardening but most importantly, the good liyan (wellbeing).”

The premises were built in 1982 by the Country Women’s association and acquired by Broome Circle in 2009.

Stage two of the project is set to be completed by November 2023.