Larrakia find a home at Karawa Park

Danny Raymond, Victor Raymond and Peter Reid at the opening

It’s been a long road to a permanent home for the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation since its foundation in 1997 but it’s been worth the wait, with its new Karawa Park facilities purpose-built for the fulfilment of the Corporation’s many ambitions.

There was also a display of Larrakia art, historical photographs, bush tucker from the Darwin region and a range of audio-visual displays.

With ABC Television personality Barbara McCarthy acting as master of ceremonies, the opening was kicked off by an official welcome to country followed by a short speech from former Administrator His Honour John Anictomatis AO.

After a number of other speeches it was the turn of the Children of the Larrakia, who had rehearsed a special dance for the day under the direction of renowned Larrakia choreographer Gary Lang. Gary himself then provided a solo performance with a strong traditional theme.

With the formalities over, those attending the event were then free to wander around the Karawa Park complex, which sits on one hectare of land next to Darwin International Airport.

Already the site boasts a nursery (which is providing plants to the Darla housing development), an arts workshop, a gallery, a central administration block and an aged care facility.

Larrakia Nation Coordinator Kelvin Costello told Land Rights News that future plans included a retail outlet and night markets to tap into the tourism market.

There are enormous opportunities here for Larrakia people and we have the chance to really capitalise on those.

Our future is now well and truly in our own hands.

Larrakia Nation Coordinator Kelvin Costello

The first day of celebrations ended with a performance of traditional dance by Larrakia men and women in Karrawa Park’s purpose-built dance stadium. A family fun day followed on Saturday 18 October.