I recently read the article about the idea of putting an Aboriginal centre in Port Augusta.

What I found most exciting is that the centre will highlight the positive aspect of indigenous culture and of the indigenous local community.

Again give yourselves a pat on the back Port Augusta, you are a town moving forward positivley with great ideas at a comfortable rate.

Being a former local, I am always asked where I come from and I say Port Augusta.

They then ask 'does it have a large indigenous population?' and I say 'yes' but I add 'and the town is trying nicely to create a good spirit amongst the different groups within the town'.

And so I am proud to speak of this and it's creating some good interest over here.

For too long, the indigenous culture has been overshadowed by the bad things of the past.

Now it's time to show its great qualities and benefits for all to enjoy and for the young indigenous to be strong and proud and develop into the new fine leaders of our culture.

However for it too succeed long into the future, I believe it needs quality indigenous leaders who are examples of their community and not political nor trouble makers, or in it for financial gain, I see this as critical. for the decison makers.

For thousands of tourists travelling through, it will be a great memory of the town they visited which gave it a go of highlighting the Aboriginal culture.

And I believe it will breath a bit of new life into the town and carry on for a long time.

Be proud Port Augusta.

Jason Coulchard

Leichhardt, Sydney