Funding cuts for Champion Centre

The City of Armadale has recently received notice that federal funding for the Champion Centre may be in jeopardy.

In recent years the Champion Centre has received approximately $160,000 annually from the Federal government towards the centre’s operating budget.

Armadale CEO Ray Tame said the City was disappointed to be advised its application, co-designed with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, was unsuccessful.

“The matter was taken up with Federal Member for Canning, Don Randall MP and he promptly arranged a meeting with the Minister for Indigenous Affairs the Hon Nigel Scullion, in Canberra.

“I am hopeful the situation can be turned around after a good hearing from the Minister.

“The Minister acknowledged that the Champion Centre is a highly respected community hub for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It is run by local Noongar staff who have built strong relationships with the community, state government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

“This funding is critical to the continuation of program delivery at the Champion Centre. The termination of funding would clearly have a negative impact on the scope of work still required in the community.

“We are continuing to negotiate with the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on reinstatement of the funding,” said Mr Tame.