RAAF Base Darwin has opened its first yarning circle, a culturally appropriate place where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can gather, share stories, reflect and connect with each other and the land.
Building on the strong connection RAAF Base Darwin has developed with the Larrakia people, the Gudlugwa Cultural Space symbolises a continued commitment to reconciliation, respect and inclusion.
It is a safe environment where everyone's voice and opinions are listened to and respected, a place to reflect and share stories, and where deep and meaningful connections can be made.
The Gudlugwa Cultural Space opened with a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country last month.
Administrator of the Northern Territory, Professor Hugh Heggie, attended in his capacity as an Honourable Air Commodore of 3 Squadron, along with Larrakia people, RAAF Base Darwin aviators and invited guests.
Senior ADF officer at RAAF Base Darwin and Commanding Officer 13 Squadron, Wing Commander Lauren Guest, said the Gudlugwa Cultural Space helped to bring people together, building shared understanding and providing an opportunity to grow a richer community.
"In a modern Air Force where aviators are encouraged to live off base, that sense of community is challenged," Wing Commander Guest said.
"The Gudlugwa Cultural Space is an invitation to enrich that sense of community we all benefit from, and will help us all grow together.
"This is a vital step in the journey of going from colleagues to community."
'The Gudlugwa Cultural Space provides RAAF Base Darwin [with] a place to host events or ceremonies, where the Larrakia people's representation and presence is essential.'
Indigenous Liaison Officer at RAAF Base Darwin, Leading Aircraftman Willhelm Lauenstein, said the Gudlugwa Cultural Space created a cultural bridge between Defence and the Larrakia community.
"This space reflects the Larrakia people's traditions of gathering on country to yarn, teach, listen and connect," Leading Aircraftman Lauenstein said.
"It acknowledges that the base sits on Larrakia land and provides a respectful space for members to engage with culture in a meaningful way.
"The Gudlugwa Cultural Space provides RAAF Base Darwin [with] a place to host events or ceremonies, where the Larrakia people's representation and presence is essential."
The Gudlugwa Cultural Space is built entirely with materials and plants native to the Northern Territory.
The circle is surrounded by native plants including red bush apple and green plum, and is filled with river sand to help the plants grow during the wet season. The seven totem poles represent sunrise, daytime, sunset, sky, land, dry season and wet season.
The seating and table are made from a tree that fell on RAAF Base Darwin during one of Darwin's wet-season storms, and planted beside the space is a boab tree, synonymous with the Kimberley region to represent 13 Squadron's West Australian base at RAAF Base Curtin.
The Gudlugwa Cultural Space is a culmination of the work and dedication of Leading Aircraftman Lauenstein, who said he would not have been able to achieve it without the support of Larrakia Nation, Bundirrik Cultural Services, Wurrba, IBE Contracting, Ventia, SEG, Laing O'Rourke, Halkitis Brothers, AKJ Services and the aviators of RAAF Base Darwin.
RAAF Base Darwin's Gudlugwa Cultural Space will serve as an important place for people to connect, contemplate and appreciate Darwin's rich ties with country.
