Larrakia Cultural Centre a step closer

Joint Media Release

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP

Minister for Communications, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP

The Morrison Government has committed $2 million over two years for Larrakia  Development Corporation to undertake detailed design and planning for the Larrakia Cultural Centre.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the funding will enable Larrakia to realise a 20 year vision for Traditional Owners of Darwin, to have their own place to showcase Larrakia art, history and culture, supporting their economic aspirations.

“The Larrakia Cultural Centre will operate near Stokes Hill Wharf as a commercial enterprise, providing a cultural hub for the Larrakia people and a conservator of their history and language,” Minister Wyatt said.

“The Larrakia Cultural Centre will protect and promote Larrakia language and history and will be a key element in the Darwin City Deal to revitalise the city centre and to make it an attractive place to live, work, study and do business.

“The Centre will feature a variety of educational facilities, a museum and art gallery, an outdoor auditorium, café/restaurant, art studios, artefact storage, retail shops and dedicated interpretive centre.

“Schools and tourists will have the opportunity to learn and interact with the Traditional Owners and the Centre will serve as hub for Indigenous businesses such as tourist operators.”

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said culture is vitally important to the Larrakia people and is a key factor in strengthening the economic and social fabric of Darwin.

“To complement the Cultural Centre, the Office for the Arts is providing $200,000 over two years through the Indigenous Languages and Arts program to Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation for a Larrakia language project,” Minister Fletcher said.

“There is a gap in Larrakia language revitalisation, and this funding will help preserve, protect and promote Larrakia culture.”

Chief Executive Officer of Larrakia Development Corporation, Nigel Browne, said the funding will support Indigenous tourism in Australia’s northernmost city, and is a much needed post COVID-19 commercial development.

“The location and footprint of the Cultural Centre is found in a Native Title related agreement, dating back to 1998. That agreement related to the extinguishment of some of our rights.

This development will allow us to protect our future, preserve our past and help build our Territory economy,” Mr Browne said.

The funding will help continue to build a strong partnership with the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation and will provide an opportunity for urban renewal, tourism and employment for Larrakia people in Darwin.

The Darwin City Deal, signed on 16 November 2018, is a ten-year plan to position Darwin as a vibrant and liveable tropical capital city, supported by a growing population and diversified economy. Larrakia has significant support from across government, business and the community. The Darwin City Deal Implementation Plan is available from Darwin City Deal on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.