BHP Billiton today announced a A$5 million investment in the community precinct at Perth Stadium.

One of the defining features of the community precinct will be its recognition of Indigenous culture, both within Perth and across West Australia. The investment will also see the development of a public amphitheatre and boardwalk.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore President, Jimmy Wilson, said BHP Billiton was proud to be partnering with the Western Australian Government to deliver this iconic project for the Western Australian community.

“The Perth Stadium is a landmark development that will change the face of Perth,” Mr Wilson said.

“Investing in this new development is our way of giving back to the people of Western Australia, who have supported our operations for more than 50 years. It also supports our ongoing commitment to Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and will highlight the Nyoongar culture as well as the wider role that Indigenous culture plays in Western Australia.”

The Indigenous Recognition elements have been developed in consultation with the Whadjuk Working Party representatives including Richard Walley. The timber boardwalk will showcase an Indigenous Art Trail with interpretative story boards explaining the meaning of the art work and its importance to the Whadjuk Nyoongar people; a Community Arbour which will reflect and interpret the Whadjuk Creation Story; and digital storytelling on screens which will present the Indigenous Recognition items through the precinct.

The BHP Billiton Amphitheatre will provide an outdoor space where people can meet, gather and socialise in a family-friendly setting all year round. Located on the river side of the stadium, it will hold up to 800 people and can be used for a variety of events, including concerts, outdoor entertainment or community movies.

Westadium Consortium Chairman, Ian Campbell, said this long term community partnership with one of Australia's largest global businesses with such a substantial stake in Western Australia is a testament to how Perth Stadium will engage the community for many years.

“BHP Billiton's deep commitment to our community through this partnership assists in making the Perth Stadium our state’s premier meeting place: a place where we come together and celebrate our ancient past, our history, our journey, and where we write new chapters in sport and just enjoy being Western Australian,” Mr Campbell said.

Brookfield Multiplex’s Regional Managing Director, Chris Palandri, said we have established an excellent working relationship with the Noongar/Whadjuk community to ensure significant indigenous art is permanently displayed on the Burswood Peninsula including BHP Billiton’s amphitheatre and boardwalk.

“As the native title owners of the land, it is important the Noongar/Whadjuk community participates in this public artwork opportunity.”

BHP Billiton’s investment was made possible through its Community Development Program, which has contributed more than A$300 million over the past five years to health, education, Indigenous development and community infrastructure initiatives in Western Australia.