THE Maali Kaadadjiny Centre (Swan Learning Centre) at the Swan View Senior High School has been officially opened.

The new $1.5 million Swan Learning Centre includes two classrooms, three office areas, a bathroom, a meeting area and will support the learning needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

About 23 per cent of the estimated 600 students at the school identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

The building includes the colours symbolic of the Aboriginal flag in the construction and façade.

The centre will add to existing programs at the school including the Swan View Stars Foundation, Swan View Follow the Dream program and the Swan View Clontarf Academy.

Swan View Senior High School also has partnerships with universities, which offer mentoring, tutoring and programs to help students transition to university.

The school also has links with local community and training institutes to provide support with employment and future training opportunities.

Education Minister Tony Buti said it was an exciting day for the Swan View Senior High School community and a proud moment for him to officially open the Maali Kaadadjiny Centre.

“With approximately 23 per cent of the school’s students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, this centre will provide essential infrastructure and create a special place to support the learning needs of students,’’ he said.

Dr Buti said the process of building and naming has involved consultation with the local community and prominent members of the local Aboriginal community, including Elders, to ensure the building accommodates the cultural needs of the community and is culturally appropriate.

Midland MLA Michelle Roberts said the learning centre was a magnificent resource that would greatly benefit the school and the local community well into future.

“I want to acknowledge and congratulate both the Swan View Senior High School principal George Sekulla and the school community for their drive and commitment in making this initiative a reality,’’ she said.