The Territory Labor Government is creating local jobs and a more vibrant Alice Springs by granting Arrernte organisation Akeyulerre Inc. $5 million dollars to build a new Arrernte Living Culture Centre.

The Arrernte Living Culture Centre will allow Akeyulerre to expand its many healing projects, cultural activities, teaching work by elders for kids, social enterprise activities including its bush medicine business, and its language work.

The new centre will enable:

·       Continued growth in cultural, health, healing and support with Arrernte people

·       The sharing of cultural products, knowledge and services

·       More opportunities for jobs and skill development

·       More tourist attractions within the Heritage Precinct on the edges of the Alice Springs CBD

The new centre will be developed at Akeyulerre’s current location at 3 and 5 Stuart Terrace. Design work has begun with award-winning local architect Susan Dugdale & Associates.

Akeyulerre Inc is a not-for-profit Arrernte-governed organisation based in Alice Springs that was established in 2000 by Arrernte Elders to strengthen Arrernte families, support them to practice and maintain their culture, and pass it on to next generations.

The organisation uses cultural priorities of the Arrernte community to strengthen and support disadvantaged families and engage Arrernte people in employment and meaningful activities.

Quotes from the Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield

“The Territory Labor Government is investing in a more vibrant Alice Springs. By investing in Akeyulerre, we are investing in local jobs, local decision-making and local solutions to social issues.

“A new Arrernte Living Culture Centre has been a vision from Akeyulerre for a couple of years now and as a Government we are proud to make this vision a reality. The centre will be a place where all Arrernte families can gather for events and to have a safe space to sit together and share stories.

“Through this investment we are supporting our communities to maintain and practice their culture and continue to pass it on to future generations.”

Quotes from Member for Namatjira, Chansey Paech

“I am proud to be a part of a Government that is investing in protecting culture and providing opportunities for Aboriginal people.

“The new Arrernte Living Culture Centre will be a beautiful place for visitors to Alice Springs to come and experience the culture of the Traditional Owners, Elders and people of Mparntwe, and to learn about traditional healing and bush medicine plants.”

Quote from Tisha Carter, Co-Chairperson, Akeyulerre Inc.

“Akeyulerre Elders and staff are really excited about this funding. Now we can build a beautiful place for Arrernte people. Kele mwarre anthurre!” 

Media contact:
Paige Nguyen 0428 727 244
paige.nguyen@nt.gov.au