Darwin is set to welcome thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries this month, as Flinders University and Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Northern Institute bring the World Archaeological Congress (WAC) to Australia for the very first time.
Held at CDU's Danala | Education and Community Precinct in Darwin, the 10th WAC [or WAC-10] will bring together archaeologists, heritage professionals, anthropologists, historians, and Indigenous leaders and community members from across the globe to share knowledge about the role of archaeologists, advance global policy (especially as it relates to the protection of heritage) and reflect on humanity's shared past.
Running from 22 to 28 June, scientific tours will frame WAC-10 – offering delegates an opportunity to engage with places of archaeological and cultural significance across the Northern Territory (NT).
Parallel to the WAC-10 conference presentations will be cultural programs that celebrate the rich diversity of Indigenous Australian cultures, providing space for attendees to learn directly from Aboriginal teachers, artists and knowledge holders - underscoring the Congress's commitment to inclusive, community-driver dialogue about heritage and history.
Conference Academic Secretary and Flinders University archaeologist Professor Claire Smith AO said Flinders is honoured to host the conference in the stunning and culturally rich landscape of Darwin.
"This significant event offers a remarkable opportunity to bring together leading thinkers to explore and reflect on our shared past, insights that are vital to shaping our future," said Professor Smith.
"I am grateful to the team of around 200 volunteers that are helping to turn this conference into a reality. It is estimated that we are generating millions in new tourism income, and a lot of this will go to Aboriginal-owned businesses.
"For Flinders University, the NT holds a special place in our archaeology teaching and research. For over 30 years our researchers have been helping to uncover the region's deep and diverse stories - a commitment that continues to this day."
WAC-10 Deputy Academic Secretary and CDU Northern Institute Research Fellow (Faculty of Arts and Society), Dr Kellie Pollard, said WAC-10 was more than an academic gathering.
"The WAC is an organisation for global collaboration among archaeologists and their cognate disciplines, and each WAC is also about promoting cultural and knowledge exchanges for the benefit of humanity," Dr Pollard said.
"We're proud to co-host the WAC-10 on the unceded sovereign Country of the Larrakia people and showcase their unique cultural and archaeological heritage in northern Australia."
Tourism Top End General Manager Sam Bennett said welcoming the world's largest archaeology congress to Australia for the first time was incredibly exciting, even more so that it is happening in the Top End.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region's rich cultural heritage, with delegates encouraged to explore the city and venture into the Top End and beyond," she said.
"Tourism Top End has worked hand-in-hand with organisers on pre- and post-conference touring to ensure all Territorians feel the benefits of a conference this size, which play a key role in supporting local businesses and boosting regional tourism.
"We are proud to have played a role in bringing WAC-10 to our shores as this global event shines a spotlight on our stories, landscapes, and people. We can't wait to share the Top End with the world."
Northern Territory Government Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, the Hon Marie-Claire Boothby, said major conferences like the WAC-10 being held in the Territory delivered significant economic benefits and showcased the NT's unique tourism and lifestyle offering.
"Attracting these conferences strengthens our reputation as a competitive and strategic destination for business events, positioning the Territory on the global stage while supporting our broader tourism strategy of attracting more visitors and driving economic growth across our regions," Minister Boothby said.
"During our year of action, certainty, and security, we are proud to have 57 conferences scheduled across the Territory this year, expected to contribute a total of $85 million to our economy."
The WAC is held every four years and is open to anyone with an interest in the past – not only academics – making it one of the most inclusive and diverse gatherings in the field.
The WAC is held every four years and is open to anyone with an interest in the past – not only academics – making it one of the most inclusive and diverse gatherings in the field.
