Organisation of African Communities in WA celebrates $1.35m refurbishment of City of Stirling hub

The Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia (OACWA) has celebrated a major milestone with the completion of a $1.35 million refurbishment of its African Community Hub in the City of Stirling.

Established in 2012, OACWA is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support and advocacy for all African communities in WA.

It promotes cultural diversity as a defining element of modern Australia and aims to help all African people in WA become engaged citizens and leaders.

The OACWA team runs a range of activities for African Australians, including outreach and mentoring programs for at-risk members of the community.

One such program is the Mentor Me ReConnect program, designed to steer young people towards a path of positivity and growth by empowering and upskilling them.

Another is the African Women Leadership, Empowerment and Development program (A-LEAD), which gives women the confidence and tools to become leaders in their personal and professional lives.

Because of the organisation's success, it needed an upgraded facility to operate as its home base, with space for a growing range of services and programs.

An event was held on Saturday to mark the completion of the refurbishment of the African Community Hub in Nollamara, which OACWA leases from the City of Stirling.

The City contributed $559,000 and delivered the refurbishment in partnership with OACWA.

The project was made possible through grant funding of more than $573,000 from Lotterywest and $220,000 from the Office of Multicultural Interests.

The works included complete upgrades to the kitchen and toilets, the creation of a media room, a range of new equipment and greater accessibility throughout the property.

There were also improvements to the main hall, meeting rooms, air-conditioning and lighting.

“This facility is more than just a building – it is a home for culture, unity and opportunity,” OACWA Executive President Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes said.

“It is a place where African heritage is celebrated, where our communities are empowered and where bridges are built between generations and cultures.

“May it serve as a beacon of hope, inclusivity, and progress for all.”

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said the City valued the OACWA’s work and shared its vision of a harmonious and engaged multicultural community.

“The City of Stirling is one of the most culturally diverse local governments in WA and we are passionate about celebrating that diversity,” Mayor Irwin said.

“We want people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to feel a sense of belonging and connection and feel empowered to get involved in the community.

“You simply cannot underestimate the value and positive impacts of an organisation such as the OACWA and the programs they deliver.

“It’s fantastic to see they now have a facility that will allow them to continue growing and running the programs that benefit communities across WA.”

Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said he hoped the upgrade of OACWA’s facilities would allow more to people benefit from their programs.
 
“The City of Stirling has created a space that will be a point of connection for the community,” Mr Smith said. 
 
“This refurbished space will become more than a building, it will be a place for the community to come together, providing a range of support services and empowering groups of all ages.”

Photo caption: City of Stirling Deputy Mayor Suzanne Migdale, OACWA Executive President Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes and Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, WA Minister for Health and Mental Health and the Member for Morley.