Wollongong City Council received advice yesterday from the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation Enterprises that the Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre, located at the Southern Gateway Centre at Bulli Tops, would cease operations as of 5.00pm Thursday, 17 February 2011.

The Jumbulla Aboriginal Centre is a tenant in the Southern Gateway Centre which is managed by Wollongong City Council.

Wollongong City Council’s General Manager, David Farmer said that Council was sorry to see the Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre take this step.

“We saw great opportunity for the local community and visitors to the area in having this cultural awareness facility as part of the Southern Gateway Centre,” said Mr Farmer.

“We were advised yesterday by the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation Enterprises that they were unable to continue to operate, at this time.”

“We were aware that the facility had been reviewing its financial position and had offered them support on a number of levels,” Mr Farmer said.

“We granted them a rent free period when the Southern Gateway opened to assist them as they settled into operations. This rent free period was extended as recently as last year until 1 May 2011.”

“We will await their advice as to what action the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation Enterprises wish to take with regard to the future of the tenancy,” Mr Farmer added.

“We would be happy to work with the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation Enterprises to consider options for the future of the business.”

“The Southern Gateway will continue to operate with the Visitor Information Centre and restaurant, Altitude 1148 continuing normal trading,” Mr Farmer added.