Larrakia centre soars with bird-shaped roof
The Federal Government and the Larrakia Development Corporation has marked 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.
“The Larrakia Cultural Centre will be a place of truth-telling, learning and celebration,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
“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.”
Larrakia Development Corporation Chairman, Mark Motlop said Centre had been 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,” he said.
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.
