Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Albanese Labor Government and the Larrakia Development Corporation are marking a major milestone in the construction of the new Larrakia Cultural Centre in Darwin.
The architecturally striking roof of the centre has now been completed. It is designed to resemble a bird in flight, a powerful Larrakia ancestral being symbolising protection of the land and people.
The bird-shaped roof marks the completion of Milestone 8 in the construction timeline, with the centre now entering its final stages with expected completion in 2026.
Located on Larrakia Country at Stokes Hill, the centre is a flagship cultural infrastructure project developed through a $58.6 million investment drawn from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA).
The Northern Territory Government has contributed land for the project valued at $16.9 million.
The centre will offer an exhibition and gallery space, education facilities, art studios, function rooms, a café/restaurant, retail shop, outdoor auditorium and landscaped grounds reflecting Larrakia Country.
The centre will also house repatriated cultural items from national and international collections, cared for in accordance with Larrakia cultural protocols.
The Larrakia Cultural Centre is a community-led initiative, managed by the Larrakia Development Corporation on behalf of the Larrakia Development Trust, that supports key outcomes under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, by encouraging economic participation through Indigenous employment and enterprise development.
It will stand as a symbol of the preservation and celebration of Larrakia heritage and will be a striking feature of the Darwin waterfront.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"The Larrakia Cultural Centre will be a place of truth-telling, learning and celebration.
"The centre will welcome locals and visitors to experience the richness of Larrakia culture and history.
"The new bird-shaped roof is a striking design feature, reflecting the spirit of the Larrakia people.
"I commend the Larrakia Development Corporation and all partners involved in bringing this vision to life."
Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP:
"The Larrakia Cultural Centre is an important step in the preservation and celebration of Larrakia heritage and this milestone takes us closer to realising that achievement.
"This project has also encouraged economic participation through Indigenous employment and enterprise development which sets a great example for other projects around the Territory."
Quotes attributable to Larrakia Development Corporation Chairman, Mark Motlop:
"The Larrakia Cultural Centre was a dream for over 20 years. To see the bird-shaped roof being completed and the building almost at lock up stage, the dream is coming to fruition.
"The bird shaped roof and building reflects the cultural significance and spirit of the Larrakia.
"The Larrakia Cultural Centre will be a place to experience and celebrate Larrakia history and culture, and we look forward to welcoming local, national and international visitors to the centre.
"The Larrakia Development Corporation sincerely expresses our gratitude to the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Aboriginals Benefit Account for the $58.6 million dollar investment for this magnificent building.
"The Larrakia Development Corporation would also like to thank the Northern Territory Government who contributed Crown Land to the value of $16.9 million for the Larrakia Cultural Centre to be built.
"We look forward to the opening of the Larrakia Cultural Centre and sharing Larrakia Culture with the world."
