To create a cultural centre which houses programmes and events that focus on retaining and amplifying a strong sense of place, origin, distinct identities, local and international stories, cultural assets and creative energy.  The cultural centre will be a landing pad for our people locally and a gateway for Māori to connect with their Iwi and Marae in Aotearoa.  

We acknowledge that Māori have a long history in Australia and we are manuhiri (guests) on this country.  We pay respect to the Tangata Whenua, the First Nation People of this land.  Our people and this project are committed to partnering with Darug in the promotion of the history and contemporary cultures through the use of the facility for educational and cultural activities.

Our culture is diverse, our tribal affiliations are diverse, our language and tikanga practises are diverse.  As a pan tribal cultural centre, we will have the ability to cater for all our iwi and hapu so that we may share these taonga with our tamariki and mokopuna.

He tangata ke koutou, he tangata ke matou, i roto I tenei whare, tatou tatou e. 

You are different, we are different, but within this house we are all united.  

This cultural centre will support the growth and wellbeing of our whanau (family), hāpori (community) and individual.  We welcome Māori and non Māori to participate in culture, sport and the arts.

Who is Sydney Marae Alliance (SMA)?

Sydney Marae Alliance was formed as a result of the merging of Sydney Marae Incorporated, Te Aranganui

and Nga Uri o Rahiri back in 2015.

How is SMA formed?

SMA is a registered charity that is governed by a Board of Directors. There is also a working group that

support the deliverables and activities.

What is our purpose?

SMA will build and operate a unique community cultural facility, accessible to all, that is purpose built to

support cultural and educational activities for the Sydney based Māori community in the form of a Cultural

Centre.

What have SMA been doing since you last heard from us?

In May 2020, our committee along with the support of our project partner, submitted an Expression of Interest

to Cumberland Council to secure a lease of land for the purpose of a Cultural Centre.

In the lead up to this major milestone a considerable amount of communication and documentation was

required to enable the submission to occur including:

• Engagement and inclusion of the local Indigenous community

• The development of a Cultural Engagement Report that included both the Maori and Darug community

• Comprehensive suite of reports to ensure consideration for the local community and environment including

Environmental Analysis Report, Flora and Fauna Report, Traffic & Congestion Management Report, Risk

Management Assessment

• Letters of support from local communities, Indigenous organisations, commercial entities, sporting groups

and Cultural groups were gathered

• Formation of the detailed Expression of Interest documentation

What has the council approved?

Outcome of Expression of Interest Process - Lease over Hyland Road Reserve, Greystanes Resolved

(Sarkis/Cummings) That Council:

Approve the Panel’s recommendation to award a 20 year lease to Sydney Marae Alliance for the use of land

to construct a community facility, being part of Lot 2 DP525167 known as Hyland Road Reserve, Greystanes. 

What are the next steps for the project?

SMA will work with Council to negotiate the lease contract and commence planning process to submit a DA

for the construction phase.

What are the next steps for our community?

We are working on a community engagement plan to keep you informed on a regular basis and open

opportunities for our community to be more involved.

Who do I contact if I require more information?

Please contact us via emaiil:   info@sydneymaraealliance.com.au