Construction is underway on Alice Springs' first-ever Multicultural Centre, providing a dedicated venue for the town's many multicultural groups.
The $8.85 million design and construction contract awarded to Territory business Aspire is supporting up to 150 jobs.
Centre will accommodate up to 400 people, with completion expected in early Q3 2027.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering Alice Springs' first-ever Multicultural Centre, with construction now underway on the western side of Anzac Oval.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure and Member for Namatjira Bill Yan and Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne joined community representatives and builder Aspire Design & Construct to turn the first sod.
The Government awarded the $8.85 million contract to NT-based Aspire in August to complete the detailed design and construction of the centre, delivering on a CLP election commitment and supporting up to 150 jobs.
The purpose-built centre will give Alice Springs' more than 25 multicultural groups a welcoming venue for celebrations, meetings, performances and events.
Minister Yan said the project would support jobs and Territory businesses while delivering a long-awaited community facility.
"One of the things I enjoy about Alice Springs is the people who have come here from all over the world and made it home. The different cultures, food and traditions they share are a big part of what makes our town such a great place to live," Minister Yan said.
"This centre will give those communities a place to call their own and welcome others in to share and celebrate their cultures."
The centre will include indoor and outdoor event spaces for up to 400 people, a raised performance stage, a meeting room, amenities and parking.
Minister Burgoyne said the project would bring more people into the Alice Springs CBD.
"The Multicultural Centre will be an important and valuable space for the more than 4,500 multicultural community members here in Alice Springs," Minister Burgoyne said.
"Our Government continues to deliver on our commitments to Alice Springs and making real progress on the projects we said we would deliver for our town. We are creating spaces and opportunities that will benefit our local community, now and into the future."
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jinson Charls said the centre reflected the Finocchiaro CLP Government's commitment to supporting strong, connected communities across the Territory.
"Restoring the Territory lifestyle means investing in the diverse communities that make our Territory such a vibrant and welcoming place to live," Minister Charls said.
"This new centre will not only provide a space for multicultural communities to connect and celebrate their traditions, but also an opportunity to share their cultures with the broader Alice Springs community, building stronger connections, understanding and friendships."
Manager of Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia Apajok Biar said today's announcement was an exciting step for the whole community.
"We look forward to having the new Centre here as a great facility that can be used by all members of the community regardless of race, religion, culture or heritage, " Ms Biar said.
"It will be another gathering place where we can build understanding and friendships and together celebrate our cultural diversity as Central Australians."
Chairperson Mona Ulak said the centre was more than a building.
"This is an investment in people, inclusion, opportunity and the future of Central Australia," Ms Ulak said.
Aspire Design & Construct Managing Director Jim Eadie said the centre would provide lasting benefits for the Alice Springs community.
"We're proud to see construction underway on the Alice Springs Multicultural Centre," Mr Eadie said.
"This centre will bring people together, celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen the community.
"Aspire is pleased to work with the Northern Territory Government to deliver a welcoming space for Alice Springs for years to come."
The centre is expected to be completed in early Q3 2027.
