Aboriginal artists showing off their skills and the sound of didgeridoos will soon be a feature of a new shop front in Darwins CBD.
The Larrakia Host program willbegin operating from a shop front in the Smith Street Mall next week as part ofthe tri-partisan City Deal signed by the Northern Territory, AustralianGovernments and City of Darwin late last year.
City Deal is a historic 10-year $200mprogram that will attract visitors to the CBD, create subsequent jobs and boostthe economy. Under the deal, the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) hasreceived $2m for the Larrakia Host program, which will bring Larrakia cultureinto the Darwin CBD.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner todaymet some of the 12 Larrakia Hosts who will be trained in a range of LNACprograms that will help to:
promote the Larrakia culture to tourists(including cruise ships) and local residents
provide a referral service to other programs -including the recently expanded Day Patrol
remind visitors from other communities about acceptablebehaviour on Larrakia country
Also on display at the shopfrontwill be information about the Larrakia people, their history and theirculture through a mixture of static and audio visual mediums. Artists andmusicians will add vibrancy to the base where tourists and visitors can learnmore about Larrakia culture.
The Larrakia Host program is partof a suite of outreach services known as Larrakia Assist, which also includesDay Patrol and Territory Connect (Return to Country) programs.
As noted by Chief Minister Michael Gunner
Not only will the Larrakia Hostprogram support tourism and subsequent jobs but it will also help to provideemployment for Aboriginal Territorians while preserving and promoting Larrakiaculture.
"Curbing anti-social behaviourwill be a positive outcome from the work of the Larrakia Hosts, ensuring awelcoming and vibrant city for locals and tourists to enjoy.
Quotefrom Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation Chairman Richard Fejo
This is an exciting day for theLarrakia people. It is the first time we have had a premises in the city centrewhere we can put the Larrakia culture on display, and where we can provideeducation and information on the earliest inhabitants of the region to newresidents and visitors.
Quote from Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation CEORobert Cooper
Wehope the foresight of the three tiers of Government in supporting thisinitiative will pay dividends through the long term involvement of the Larrakiapeople in tourism and cultural promotion in the city, and will provide thegroundwork for occupation of the proposed Larrakia Cultural Centre.
