The Board the Larrakia Development Corporation has appointed Eric Holowacz as the inaugural chief executive officer of the Larrakia Cultural Centre.

Following a comprehensive recruitment process, Mr Holowacz commenced his tenure on March 2 as the Centre nears completion on the Darwin waterfront below the sacred Stokes Hill site.

In welcoming him back to the Northern Territory, Larrakia Cultural Centre chair, Professor Helen Garnett, noted Mr Holowacz's previous leadership work as chief executive of Katherine Regional Cultural Precinct and its Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre.

"Our Board expects great things as the new CEO builds the team and programming, and we enter this next phase of development and activation," Professor Garnett said.

"Eric brings Territory connections and a 25+ year career leading arts, culture, and heritage concerns — including new facilities and infrastructure, artist residencies and exchanges, festivals and live events and, complex cultural partnerships."

Mr Holowacz's arrival follows new Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive Anthony Whitfield, who began in January.

The Larrakia Development Corporation said the two will work closely during the start-up period to ensure the Centre stands as a symbol of the preservation and celebration of Larrakia heritage, becomes a unifying presence for Darwin connections and creativity, expands the local tourism economy, and shares Larrakia identity with the world.

Mr Holowacz said he was honoured to be joining Larrakia Elders and leaders "in what is one of the most ambitious cultural development projects in Australia".

"Emerging next to the sacred site at Stokes Hill and looking out to a sea that has sustained Saltwater People for millennia, our shared goal over the coming year is to activate the magnificent new building, grounds, and environment with Larrakia experiences," Mr Holowacz said.

Recently writing for BBC Travel, award-winning travel writer Larry Bleiberg described the upcoming waterfront destination as one of the six most anticipated museum openings of 2026, calling it the latest example of a shift from museums about Indigenous people to museums owned and operated by them.

After culturally significant land was secured in 2022, construction of the Centre commenced the following year.

"For many Larrakia, a cultural centre has been an ambition and a bold idea for decades," Mr Holowacz said.

"I am truly honoured to be joining the team, working together to continue the work to turn this idea into reality."

The Larrakia Development Corporation said the Cultural Centre will soon be calling for expressions of interest for Larrakia people who wish to undertake training with a view to joining the Centre's staff.