Matt Dann (1903 - 1993)
The Matt Dann Cultural Centre is named in honour of Matt Dann
Mathias Dann, a man of Aboriginal decent from Nyul - Nyul tribe on his mother's side and Philipino decent on his father's side, came to Port Hedland from Beagle Bay in 1927. He and his wife Belinda raised six children. In 1942, along with other local Aboriginal residents, he succesfully pioneered primary school education for Aboriginal people in this town. Prior to that time he was a bosan on the pearling supply schooner "Geraldton". In the 1960's during construction phase, Matt Dann was a leading hand for Guildsworthy mining's Finacane Island warf operations. At other times in his career he worked in various responsible positions.
At a time of few opportunities for Aboriginal people he was a tower of strength - a giant among men.
The Matt Dann Cultural Centre was offically opened on Feb 26 1988. We have been providing the latest movies and live shows to the Town of Port Hedland for almost 20 years. We are a locally owned venue, funded and run by the Town Of Port Hedland.
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