The funding is expected to increase the seating in the venue by 4,350 seats to 5,550 seats.
“This is an exciting announcement from the Northern Territory Government, because it will add to the versatility of our venue and allow us to cater to a wider range of events throughout the year,” said Darwin Convention Centre’s general manager, Peter Savoff.
As part of the funding, which was included in the recent Northern Territory budget, public amenities and audio visual upgrades will also be made at the convention centre.
“We’re boosting the capacity of the Darwin Convention Centre because we need the facilities to be able to bring bigger and better events to the Territory – because that means more work opportunities for Territorians,” said the NT’s chief minister, Eva Lawler.
“The $19.2 million investment into expanding the Darwin Convention Centre will deliver flow on benefits far and wide.”
The centre has also recently refurbished its furniture with Larrakia textiles. Larrakia are the Traditional Owners of Darwin.
“As a proud Gulumoerrgin Larrakia woman, it is incredible to see our art come to life in different forms,” said Mim Cole, one of the artists whose work is featured on the textiles.
“I’m so happy and grateful for the convention centre to be showcasing our art on this beautiful furniture on Larrakia country.”
The works were undertaken with Winya, a profit-for-purpose business supporting Indigenous training and employment that is also committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable manufacturing.
“We are grateful to the Darwin Convention Centre for allowing Winya to open the doors to our wonderful Larrakia artists and showcase their beautiful artworks through furniture,” said NT Winya manager Michelle Smith.
“Winya has recently launched its brand-new Indigenous house fabric collection nationally, where we have personally engaged local indigenous artists from different regions throughout Australia. We have done this to guarantee that the designs are sourced organically and ethically and to also ensure the artists are paid above the industry standard.
“In addition, we have a strong initiative on sustainability where we focus on the re-use and redeployment of our products.
“Being able to repurpose the centre’s existing furniture to give it another 10+ years of life is all part of Winya’s circular economy program.
“We are very proud of this collaboration with the Darwin Convention Centre, working together to make sure every design suited each piece of furniture perfectly and complemented the spaces within the venue.”
Further celebrating the country on which it stands, the centre has recently renamed four of its meeting rooms with traditional Larrakia names, in consultation with Larrakia Elders.
“As a business situated on Larrakia Country, we acknowledge the importance of honouring the rich cultural heritage of Darwin’s Traditional Owners,” said Savoff.
“We work closely with the Larrakia people to ensure guests visiting our venue gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Larrakia culture while visiting Darwin.
“By working with Winya and their talented Larrakia artists, we are proud to have given our venue furniture a new lease on life – all while creating a harmonious blend of art and functionality that will resonate with visitors during their conference.”
