The Australian Opal Centre

In a recent instalment of Black Opal Direct, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jenni Brammall, one of the driving forces behind the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge. As AOC Founders, Ruth and Justin are excited to chat with Jenni about the updated progress of this wonderful cultural institution celebrating our treasured national gem.

Origins and Vision

Jenni shared that the idea for the Australian Opal Centre began back in 1998, born from a vision of local people in Lightning Ridge during a boom period for opal mining. Recognizing that opal abundance wouldn’t last forever, they aimed to diversify the local economy, create employment, and buffer against tough times. Consequently, the concept expanded beyond Lightning Ridge to celebrate the Australian opal industry as a whole.

“It started as a visionary local project, and now it’s taken a long time to come to fruition, but look at it now—it’s absolutely amazing,” Jenni said.

Image courtesy of Australian Opal Centre

The Site and Construction

The Australian Opal Centre is built on Yuwaalaraay country and serves as a not-for-profit cultural institution to celebrate and promote all things opal and people. The Centre is located on a three-hectare site that has been mined for over a century; it’s the historic Three Mile Opal Field in Lightning Ridge. The building, recessed into the ground, will feature a two-story structure that integrates seamlessly with the local landscape and history. Jenni emphasized the environmentally sustainable approach taken during construction.

“By coupling the walls to the earth and settling the building into the earth, it will help modulate the temperature,” she explained.

Image courtesy of Australian Opal Centre

Cultural and Environmental Significance

Jenni highlighted the cultural significance of the project, explaining that it’s not just a building but a cultural institution celebrating Opal and the people connected to it. The Centre will house a large exhibition space and, in future stages, an underground Gondwana garden.

“The Australian Opal Centre is a cultural institution to celebrate and promote opal and all things opal and people,” Jenni noted.

Funding and Community Support

The project has received significant financial support from local and national sources. Initially, community fundraising efforts secured a million dollars in commitments, which was pivotal in garnering additional funding from government sources.

“It really has been this incredible grassroots people’s project,” Jenni said. “This is our Opera House for the Outback.”

Future and Invitation

Jenni invited everyone to support the project, either by becoming a founder or a member. She expressed deep gratitude to all who have contributed to making the Australian Opal Centre a reality.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this wasn’t going to be either. It’s been a 20-year project, and it’s the hard work of many people that have brought us here,” Jenni reflected.

You can visit the Australian Opal Centre’s website here to explore more about this wonderful project coming to life in the Australian Outback to celebrate our national gemstone.