Larrakia Cultural Centre construction set to begin

Construction of the Larrakia Cultural Centre in Darwin is a step closer to starting with a $56 million grant from the Aboriginal Benefits Account (ABA) to the Larrakia Development Corporation (LDC).

The iconic project will see a culturally significant site built in the heart of Darwin at the Stokes Hill Waterfront Precinct with construction expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2025.

The project is being managed by the Larrakia Development Corporation (LDC) on behalf of the Larrakia Development Trust (LDT) through a partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments and the City of Darwin.

The development represents another cornerstone in the Darwin City Deal that will position Darwin as a vibrant tropical capital city by providing a celebration of Larrakia history, culture, places, language and families.

The Larrakia Cultural Centre will feature a variety of educational facilities, an exhibition space and gallery, an outdoor auditorium, café/restaurant, art studios, artefact storage, a retail shop and function rooms for meetings and events.

During the demolition phase of the project, the LDC had an established Aboriginal employment rate of 30% and its contractor NTEX achieved an Aboriginal employment rate of 53%.

The Aboriginal trainees on the project have been offered permanent placements with NTEX which provides immediate employment opportunities alongside the longer-term tourism benefits.

The ABA is a Special Account established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 to benefit Aboriginal people living in the Northern Territory (NT) that is generated through royalties from mining on Aboriginal land in the NT.

ABA arrangements have recently transferred to the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation (NTAIC), a new Aboriginal-led corporate Commonwealth entity which will implement a simplified and streamlined ABA grants program to deliver greater benefits to Aboriginal people in the NT.

More information on the NTAIC, Darwin City Deal and Larrakia Cultural Centre can be found on their respective websites.

Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:

“This project demonstrates the social and economic benefits that can be realised when governments, businesses and communities work together to celebrate the rich cultures and histories of First Nations people. 

“The construction of the Larrakia Cultural Centre represents a significant milestone for the Larrakia people as it is laying down the foundation of a place to share culture, history and language of the Larrakia people for generations to come.

“I’m particularly pleased with the Aboriginal employment outcomes we’re already seeing from this project and feel heartened knowing people in the community that have built the idea will also build the infrastructure from the ground up.” 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy:

“The development of a cultural home for the traditional owners of Darwin will be an exciting addition to the city and a place to share in rich culture and stories with both visitors and locals.

“This significant investment from the Australian Government will benefit the Darwin community now and into the future with employment opportunities, tourism and cultural understanding for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Chair of the Larrakia Development Corporation, Mark Motlop:

“The Larrakia Development Corporation is proud to be able to continue driving the Larrakia Cultural Centre project forward.

“This has been a long journey, and we are the closest we have ever been to fulfilling an agreement to restore the importance of Larrakia people, language, history and culture to the Northern Territory and the world.

“The Centre will be a place that connects our people to their ancestral treasurers, language and stories. The Cultural Centre is about and for our community.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of the Larrakia Development Corporation, Nigel Browne:

“Over the last five years the Larrakia Cultural Centre has been acknowledged as a project of economic and cultural significance. We at the Larrakia Development Corporation believe it is that, and more.

“The project has already exceeded set targets on Aboriginal employment, circular economics, environmental sustainability design considerations and there is more greatness to come from this project.

“Without the funding provided through the Aboriginal Benefit Account, this project would not have been able to proceed.

“This is Aboriginal money being put to good use with an Aboriginal organisation building an asset for our Aboriginal community.”