Alice Springs is another step closer to having its first-ever Multicultural Centre, with an $8.8 million contract awarded to a Territory contractor for its design and construction.
The centre will provide a dedicated space for more than 4,500 members across 26 multicultural groups in Alice Springs.
Construction will commence following detailed design, with the centre anticipated to be completed in late 2027.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering for Alice Springs’ thousands-strong multicultural community, with the contract awarded to design and build the town’s first-ever Multicultural Centre.
The $8.8 million contract has been awarded to Aspire Design and Construct Pty Ltd to undertake the detailed design and construction of the centre, supporting 155 jobs and Territory businesses.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jinson Charls said the new centre would provide an important space for Alice Springs’ more than 4,500 multicultural community members to come together.
“In our year of growth, certainty and security, we continue delivering on our election commitment to establish Alice Springs’ first-ever Multicultural Centre,” Minister Charls said.
“Alice Springs has a strong and diverse multicultural community who have told us how important it is to have a dedicated place to gather, host events, celebrate their cultures and share their traditions – that’s exactly what we are delivering.”
Located within the Anzac Oval precinct, the flexible event space can host up to 400 people for smaller community activities and larger cultural events, including indoor and outdoor spaces.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne said the centre would strengthen Alice Springs’ vibrant multicultural community.
“Alice Springs has always been a multicultural community, with people from across Australia and around the world helping shape our town,” Minister Burgoyne said.
“Our Government is delivering projects that will make a real difference for the community. This centre will bring more activity into the heart of Alice Springs and strengthen our town’s reputation as a place where different cultures were celebrated.”
This follows the contract announcement for the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct, another development backed by the CLP Government in Alice Springs.
Aspire Design and Construct Managing Director Jim Eadie said Aspire was excited to be involved in the Alice Springs Multicultural Centre project.
“We’re proud to support the local construction industry and businesses in Alice Springs, creating opportunities to strengthen and contribute to the local community,” he said.
Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia Chair Mona Ulak welcomed the CLP Government’s commitment to the multicultural community in and around Alice Springs.
“The Central Australian multicultural community is deeply grateful to the Finocchiaro Government for recognising a long-standing need and taking decisive action to deliver the Multicultural Community Centre,” she said.
“This is leadership through delivery, this is an investment in Central Australia and this is a project our multicultural community can be proud of.”
Alice Springs Mabuhay Multicultural Association President Jovita Price said it would be great to have a dedicated space for the multicultural community, who had been moving from place to place for many years.
“Before, we were everywhere – we were in the Belvedere, and then we went to the ANZ building… this will be very, very good for the community, because we’ve been going places since 1988. Finally, we will have this home,” she said.
Alice Springs Malayalee Association Secretary Simon Samuel said the new Multicultural Centre was an amazing opportunity for the Alice Springs multicultural community.
“We thank the government for giving us this opportunity to have a big place where we can do our gatherings and families can enjoy their time, it is a great support for us,” he said.
