Official Opening of Arabana Warli in Marree

1 day ago

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Arabana staff, members, community, and partners came together in Marree on Friday 25 September to celebrate the official opening of Arabana Warli.

It was a special milestone for the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation and a lovely way to begin a weekend of community celebrations, before families headed out to Finniss Springs for our Annual Arabana Ngura (camp)

Warli means shelter. At its heart, Arabana Warli is a place for our people to stay, gather and reconnect with Country. For Elders, having comfortable accommodation in Marree can make returning to Country easier, with a welcoming base to spend time with family and community.

The facility includes ensuite accommodation, an accessible room, shared kitchen and dining spaces, laundry facilities and outdoor areas for gathering. Together, these spaces offer more than a place to sleep, they create opportunities for people to share meals, yarn and enjoy time together.

Warli also opens up opportunities for AAC to welcome visitors, host groups and generate income that can be reinvested in Arabana priorities. Its cultural and community purpose will remain at the centre of how it operates.

The opening was an opportunity to recognise the many people and organisations who helped bring Warli to life. We thank BHP for its significant contribution to the project, Ahrens and Ausco for their work on the facility, Max Cranes and all the tradies for on ground work, and everyone who helped prepare it to welcome guests.

A special thank you goes to Marree School and its students for their landscaping and planting on establishment last year, and to the Peter Newman Foundation for supporting Arabana artwork for Warli. These contributions help make the space feel welcoming and connected to the people and place it serves.

Thank you to our Elders, community members, Board, staff, partners and local supporters who joined us for the opening. Seeing everyone together was a reminder of why this place matters.

We look forward to Arabana Warli becoming part of many more visits, gatherings and memories on Country.

Credit to Chris Newman and Kristy Oduro for the photos.