Prime Minister Kevin Rudd officially launched the National Indigenous Centre of Excellence this morning in front of community members and a who’s who of Indigenous sporting legends.
New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin were also on hand for the opening of the centre, built on the grounds of the old Redfern Public School.
“This is a really good day for Australia. This is a really good day for Indigenous Australia. This is good stuff,” said Mr Rudd.
“What has been built here is a world class facility.
“It offers great hope, great opportunities.”
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence will host programs and facilities for young Indigenous people to help them achieve their dreams and aspirations in the areas of sport, art, education and culture.
Following the ceremony, Mr Rudd was given a tour of centre where he chatted with local youth in the gymnasium, tutoring rooms, and even joined in a game of basketball.
Indigenous sporting stars on hand included former AFL legends Michael O’Loughlin, David Wirrpanda and Troy Cook, netballer Bianca Franklin, South Sydney Rabbitohs players Chris Sandow and Beau Champion, and tennis legend and NCIE board member Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
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