Ngurra Architectural Design Competition Opens

Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Morrison Government is proud to announce the launch of the Architectural Design Competition for Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said the opening of the design competition begins the process of realising the long-held vision for a national institution to recognise and honour one of the world’s longest living cultures.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories belong at the heart of our nation,” Minister Wyatt said.

“This new $316.5 million Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural precinct will take pride of place on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, on the primary axis in the Parliamentary Triangle.

“It will lie between Old Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial – filling a gap in our capital and shaping a more complete sense of national identity.

“This competition will ensure Ngurra has an iconic design fitting for the location while encompassing the importance of the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this nation.

“The precinct will incorporate a National Resting Place to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains and a new home for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), expanding their capacity to share knowledge and learning.

“The National Resting Place within the precinct will answer a longstanding call for a facility that provides respectful care for Ancestors that are in transit to their home Country.

“I look forward to seeing the proposals on how that may be realised, as well as ideas on providing access, education and engagement of our shared history.

“We also will be looking for the best design to complement existing national institutions in the Parliamentary Triangle.

“Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will take place as the design of the precinct progresses to ensure it is fit for purpose and a welcome addition to our national landscape.”

The first stage of the design competition, which involves an assessment of expressions of interest and shortlisting of architectural firms to proceed to the second-stage competitive design process, has been endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects.

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