The long-awaited, new Australian Opal Centre (AOC), is back under construction after a hiatus due to issues around the pandemic.

The AOC is being described as the world's leading destination for all things opal – including spectacular gemstones, rare opalised fossils, exhibitions, education and training, scientific research, art and culture.

Jenni Brammall, Chief Executive Officer Australian Opal Centre said the building of the centre is a 100 per cent community-initiated project and that local engagement and support has been "phenomenal".

"(It was) conceived of and developed by a local group in 1997 or 1998, and managed locally for more than 20 years by the incorporated association established for this purpose and since 2004, a small local staff," Ms Brammall said.

"Community members have contributed more than $1 million in cash and more than $7 million in kind, without even stopping to calculate the value of tens of thousands of hours of skilled volunteer time donated. The Australian Opal Centre is a true ‘people’s project’. We’ve just converted from an association to a not-for-profit company with a great board of directors who are committed to maintaining that local spirit and ownership."

Both during and after construction the Opal Centre board aim to create as much employment for locals as possible

"We expect the builder to use as much local supply as possible. And we’re looking at ways for people to be able to follow the build - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing to have an internationally significant facility being built on your doorstep," Ms Brammall said.

Ms Brammall said the AOC is shaping up to be a national and international drawcard which will generate benefits for local economy, both for Lightning Ridge and the surrounding area. It's hoped the increased visitation will make other developments and services viable, for example transport and communications services, new restaurants and shops.

Australian Opal Centre manager Jenni Brammall with AOC Founder John Cucuk of South Australia at the 2018 Lightning Ridge Opal Festival. IMAGE: facebook

"It will also help diversify and buffer the local economy which can be impacted by effects of weather and climate on agricultural production, and effects of markets and other factors on opal production and prices," Ms Brammall said. 

"Money will flow to the community through the visitor economy - through increased tourism activity, including by high-yield visitors here for learning programs and cultural activities - and through our policy of maximising local employment and the use of local suppliers and services. 

"This entire project was community-initiated, for community benefit and we are determined to see as much of the construction funding as possible go into and circulate in the local and regional economies, then ensure those benefits continue once the new centre is open to the public."

The AOC already welcomes school groups from around the state to learn about the gem. SOURCE: facebook

Ms Brammell said the board are committed to providing employment and training opportunities primarily for local people, as they have already done for 19 years.

"We’ll also continue to run our volunteer program for local people, which our volunteers love and are enriched by, and through which they sometimes gain paid employment. At the new centre our wonderful volunteers will gain even more skills, and contribute even more by sharing their local knowledge and expertise," she said.

The AOC already has an incredible collection of opalised fossils ready for display as well as other opal-related items; stones, opal-related geological samples, artworks, historical artefacts, photographs, books, papers and archival materials.

Opalised fossils, like this crocodile jaw, are among the types of exhibits to be on display at the AOC. IMAGE: Courtesy https://peerj.com/articles/7166/.

"These have nearly all been donated by local people and people from throughout Australia’s opal fields, as well as people from across Australia and elsewhere in the world," Ms Brammell said. "It’s so inspirational and humbling to work with our donors and with the collection of national treasures they’re assembling together."

Chair of the AOC, Ray Griffin, is also happy that construction is back on track.

"I’m very pleased to say that the NSW Government has provided sufficient funding to address project costs and allow this important project to proceed," he said. "We’re very much looking forward to bringing the long-awaited new AOC to life in 2023 and seeing it open in 2024, delivering social and economic benefits at Lightning Ridge, through Walgett Shire and at all points of the compass en route to the centre."

For employment information, go to the AOC website; australianopalcentre.com