Darwin's Larrakia Cultural Centre was officially opened at the weekend, a month after it began operation.
The centre is a permanent cultural home for the Larrakia people, offering locals and visitors an authentic cultural experience grounded in the knowledge, stories and continuing connection of Larrakia culture.
Larrakia Cultural Centre chairperson, Professor Helen Garnett, said the official opening of the centre marked an exciting time for Larrakia people and Indigenous peoples across Australia.
"Darwin is now home to the world's most unique cultural centre, and we are thrilled to see it officially opened. The Centre is a huge achievement for Larrakia people and something to be very proud of," she said.
"The Larrakia Cultural Centre is a significant example of how Indigenous culture can be celebrated and preserved in a modern setting, while providing real economic and employment benefits to local people."
The Centre was first opened to Larrakia families on 3 September before welcoming visitors from 7 September and officially opened on 9 October.
Development of the centre was led by Larrakia Development Corporation and funded through a $58.5 million grant from the Aboriginal Benefit Account.
Since opening to visitors, more than 2,000 people have visited the centre's gallery, restaurant and workshop spaces and conference facilities.
Professor Garnett said she was particularly excited about the uptake of the centre's workshops program.
"The response to our workshop program has been fantastic. We've had high attendance at everything from our bushtucker tasting class to our Larrakia Conversation talk series," she said.
"It's exciting to see people coming to the centre to learn about Larrakia culture and history, and to learn more about the Country they're on, whether they have lived in the Darwin area their whole life or are visiting from overseas."
The Centre is currently running workshops for all ages including crocodile painting and sculpture and spear making, along with the final talks as part of the Larrakia Conversations talk series.
Tickets for the Larrakia Cultural Centre can be purchased online.
