The Larrakia Cultural Centre (LCC) at Stokes Hill Wharf is becoming a reality with demolition and site clearing works commencing on Thursday 24 November.
This is a major milestone for the project which will create a place for Larrakia people to share, celebrate and showcase Larrakia Country language, culture and knowledge with the world.
Completing the first stage of the project is local contractor NTEX who has considerable prior experience in demolition works and is committed to best practice for safety, heritage, culture and sustainability.
The Larrakia Cultural Centre is a cornerstone of the Larrakia Development Corporation’s (LDC) plan to work with all Larrakia to reinvigorate Larrakia culture, history and language and will benefit all Territorians and Larrakia through social and economic activation.
The centre will provide a new world class Aboriginal experience for tourists.
The centre will be built at the Stokes Hill Wharf waterfront, adjacent to a registered Larrakia sacred site. The heritage listed Old Steam Pumphouse at the site will be incorporated into the landscape of the LCC.
The LCC is a key commitment of the Darwin City Deal – a 10-year partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory governments and the City of Darwin to position Darwin as a vibrant and liveable tropical capital city, supported by a growing population and diversified economy.
The $40 million project, an initiative of the LDC, is funded through a grant from the Aboriginal Benefits Account and facilitated through a grant of Crown land by the Northern Territory Government.
Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
“The Larrakia Cultural Centre will provide the Larrakia People exposure to the increasingly busy waterfront precinct, and the opportunity to share their culture with visitors to Darwin.
“The centre is a key element in the Darwin Waterfront redevelopment that will also include the new convention centre hotel.
“Visionary projects like this are changing the face of Darwin, providing economic and employment opportunities well into the future.”
Quotes from Nigel Browne, CEO, Larrakia Development Corporation
“Aboriginal engagement, employment and long term opportunities will be a major focus throughout the delivery of this project and the company has demonstrated a proactive approach to inclusion, diversity and Aboriginal employment. The demolition works contract includes a minimum of 30% Aboriginal employment during the works.
“NTEX will work with local organisation Grassroots Youth Engagement to provide on-the-job upskilling opportunities for two Aboriginal youths and has engaged a Larrakia Consultant to work with and advise the team.
“At this point of the project we are moving to site based works, which is another step in a long pathway to reinvigorate and showcase Larrakia culture, country, history and language.
“The Larrakia Development Corporation is continuing to place a strong focus on delivering the Larrakia Cultural Centre with diligence, placing economic, safety, sustainability and social considerations as our top priority.
“This next stage brings us closer to the long term benefits of what will be an iconic cultural and tourism facility.”
Northern Territory Government
