The Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council's Murrook Culture Centre has been awarded winner of the Visitor Attraction category in the this year's Inavate APAC Awards.
Announced at a ceremony held in Bangkok last month, the international contest focuses on the skilful use of innovative technology.
Attracting 53 finalists from the Asia-Pacific region including impressive large-scale projects from China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Beijing and a fellow Australian company, the event profiled finalists from across the globe.
Judges chose Murrook due to the "intention, thought, and care demonstrated throughout the project's design, specification and implementation" saying Murrook Culture Centre is "exceptional" and that the project highlights how thoughtful audio-visual (AV) can bring complex and rich stories and heritage to life in a wondrous way.
Chief executive officer of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) chief executive, Andrew Smith said the award win was both an exciting and humbling experience.
"Receiving the award is very exciting. It's also a little humbling because we didn't set out with the intention of winning awards or seeking accolades for the work we invested into but more so, to provide a culturally safe and authentic way of sharing knowledge and stories in a modern landscape of technology that was both interesting and interactive for all ages," Mr Smith said.
"To be given such a huge accolade for our work means a lot and it's a win for our Worimi Community and the wider community as a whole, with so many operators and tourism suppliers in our backyard providing excellent tourism activities and adventures.
"If our centre is the drawcard that attracts numbers to Port Stephens, how good is that."
Mr Smith said WLALC is eager to welcome new visitors to Murrook.
"The word has spread pretty fast and I guess we now need to learn how to leverage of this wonderful accolade, not solely to get more recognition but, to get people to Murrook," he said.
"Our saying is 'Experience Murrook Change Forever' and we love that visitors to our centre turn up as strangers and leave as friends."
Murrook said they were honoured by the win while acknowledging the WLALC Board and thanking the Worimi community, Elders (past and present) and members who contributed to the project.
The Board also recognised the chief executive officer, staff and creative partners (digital creators) Art of Multimedia (Beata & Jason) and Command Digital (Ron) who were instrumental in the Murrook Cultural Centre and Worimi community receiving the award.
Situated between Newcastle and Port Stephens, the Murrook Culture Centre has been created as a business activity hub for WLALC due to its resources and location.
Featuring a large dinning area, administration officers and a large conference hall, the centre is continually making ongoing improvements.
The Worimi LALC says it is committed to improving, protecting and fostering the best interests of its members and all Aboriginal persons within the Council's area.
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