Central Arrernte
Northern Territory
Akeyulerre is run by the Arrernte people of central Australia to maintain and promote their rich culture and knowledge, to educate their young people in all aspects of culture, and to provide opportunities to engage with Arrernte culture.
Cultural practices supported by the centre include commercial bush medicine production; traditional healing practices, men’s programs, country visits, song, dance, smoking ceremonies and harvesting bush food.
The simple built forms have verandahs with curved steel canopies that are decorated with patterns created from Akeyulerre members’ artwork. The impact of the patterns is striking against the blue sky, the shadows enliven the simple building facades and verandahs and brand the building as a place for Arrernte culture, and a unique destination for tourists and other visitors.
Indigenous engagement was a key priority. Consultations and design workshops with Akeyulerre staff and members started in 2016, and the construction contractor achieved significant Indigenous employment.
The lab enables production of bush medicine in a well-equipped, and culturally safe facility, ensuring high-quality production while maintaining cultural traditions. The building supports our programs, providing a safe and functional space for community activities. The kitchen helps us feed our people and offers training opportunities. The conference room provides a professional and culturally safe space for Board meetings and social enterprise activities. The design is a significant upgrade —comfortable, weather-protected, and versatile. It’s modern yet culturally respectful structure makes it a great place to showcase Arrernte culture and strengthen our connection to community, education, and enterprise.
Susan Dugdale, Design Architect
Doug Baillie, Project Architect
Flynn Carr, Documentation
Miriam Wallace, Design and management of integrated art
Andrew Davis, Graduate of Architecture
Brian Blakeman Surveys, Building Surveyor
TCL, Landscape Consultant
BCA Engineers, Services Consultant
NJA Consulting Pty Ltd, Structural Engineer
Tecon Australia, Building Certifier
MPH Projects, Demolition Contractor
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
