The Dhiiyaan Centre

Let the Indigenous Unit take you on a journey through time...

The Indigenous Unit, which was established in 1995, is part of the Northern Regional Library & Information Service based in Moree. The Unit services the Shires of Brewarrina, Gwydir, Moree Plains and Walgett. Within these Shires are a substantial number of Aboriginal settlements including Boggabilla, Boomi, Brewarrina, Collarenebri, Mungindi, Toomelah, Walgett and Moree itself.

The Indigenous Unit became the first family history and photograph unit of its kind with the main focus being to document the Aboriginal history, particularly family history, before the information is lost to time. By setting this precedent, it was hoped that the work being done at the Indigenous Unit would be recognised and followed by other libraries throughout Australia.

Encouraging Aboriginal participation within the library service has been of great importance to the Indigenous Unit. Family genealogies and photographs have been a major draw card in Aboriginal library usage knowing one's family, people and origins are of paramount interest. The collection the Indigenous Unit currently houses includes an enormous number of genealogies, photographs and resources to assist Aboriginal genealogy searches.

The Unit service includes assistance with family history, local history and Aboriginal history; tips on how to trace your family tree, cultural awareness workshops, language program and more.
The huge collection of Aboriginal family trees held at the Indigenous Unit has been built up through the traditional method of bartering/swapping information.

The Indigenous Unit also provides valuable information on the Kamilaroi people and history of Moree, and houses an impressive exhibition of traditional Kamilaroi artefacts and thousands of photographs. A technology dome also projects images of Moree's history, Kamilaroi history and the many wonderful community events which are documented throughout, including debutante balls.

Today, the Indigenous Unit continues to assist people with Aboriginal history and family history through their Service and through liaisons with other organisations. The Indigenous Unit aims to document, preserve, and protect information and objects which are of significance to the Aboriginal people for use and education now and for future generations.

Dhiiyaan Centre, Moree
Cnr Balo & Albert Street's, Moree
Ph: (02) 6752 1346