For those who know of the Bundanon Trust and the role it plays in the continuity of Austrlian culture this announcement is GOLD.
Nestled peacefully, yet magnificently in the bushland outside Nowra, Bundanon Trust is a source of local, and national pride. Federal member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips announced today that "This beautiful Australian institution will finally get the financial recognition it deserves with a $33 million new funding commitment from the Albanese Labor Government.
"This $33 million in new funding will result in an additional $8 million of support per year ongoing.
“For years I have advocated for improved funding for Bundanon, and I am so glad that a Labor Government is now going to be able to deliver it” Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said.
Located on the lands of the people of the Dharawal and Dhurga language groups, the property was donated to the Australian public by cherished artist Arthur Boyd in 1993. Bundanon is home to the largest artist in residence program in Australia, and in 2022 it opened expanded facilities, featuring an Art Museum and the spectacular Bridge for Creative Learning.
“Located in a deep and ancient valley formed by the Shoalhaven River, Bundanon is so important as a place of creativity, both in the past and present" Mrs Phillips said.
“I have been to the area countless times, I’ve seen how special it is to so many people, and I am incredibly excited to see Bundanon continue to flourish.” she added.
As an area, and an institution, Bundanon is incredibly important both physically and historically. It also plays an important role in truth-telling for First Nations people both from the South Coast, and further afield.
"The funding for the Bundanon Trust is a part of a $535.3 million additional investment towards nine National Collecting Institutions over four years – addressing the decade of chronic underfunding inflicted by the former Liberal Government.
"This funding means that Bundanon will be able to grow and invest for the future, knowing it finally has a Government that values it just as the people of the South Coast always have.
"The Albanese Labor Government is proud to provide the necessary funding for the National Collecting Institutions that Australians cherish so dearly. This investment will guarantee ongoing, indexed funding into the future. This funding will ensure Australia has a strong cultural infrastructure - which is a key pillar of Revive, the Government’s new National Cultural Policy", the Federal member said.
