Charles Darwin University (CDU) has officially opened its new city campus, Danala | Education and Community Precinct (ECP), marking a significant milestone for higher education in the Northern Territory.
The campus, whose name “Danala” comes from the Larrakia word for “dillybag,” represents a major investment in the region’s educational infrastructure.
The construction of Danala involved over 550,000 work hours, creating jobs for 1,526 employees, with 984 of them coming from Northern Territory companies.
Local contractor DCOH (formerly Halikos) led the project, which notably employed 173 First Nations people, contributing 70,701 labour hours.
This initiative exceeded the contract target, with First Nations employees comprising 12.62 per cent of DCOH’s total workforce.
Danala is strategically located in the heart of Darwin’s CBD and is divided into three distinct areas:
- Two levels for CDU faculty and staff
- Three levels dedicated to students and teaching
- Two levels open to the public
The campus boasts an integrated library that combines collections from Library & Archives NT and the CDU Library, fostering community engagement.
Starting from the upcoming summer semester, Danala will offer more than 15 courses across various disciplines, including Law, Accounting, Information and Communication Technology, and Software Engineering.
The $240 million project received significant support, with the Australian government contributing $97.3 million and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) providing a $126.5 million loan.
This investment is expected to revitalise Darwin’s CBD, create jobs, and drive economic growth in the region.
The opening ceremony was attended by key figures, including Federal Minister Catherine King, NT Minister Jo Hersey, and Member for Solomon Luke Gosling, along with hundreds of staff and students.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman expressed pride in the Territory’s skilled workforce and the campus’s potential to enhance Darwin’s appeal as a place to live, study, and work.
Danala is designed to be more than just a university campus.
It aims to create a bustling CBD environment, offering world-class educational experiences and pathways to meaningful careers.
The precinct is expected to increase the city’s vibrancy and drive retail activity for local businesses.
As Danala opens its doors, it stands as a testament to local craftsmanship and a commitment to providing high-quality education in a facility tailored to Darwin’s unique environment.
This new campus is poised to become a centre of educational excellence, attracting students from across Australia and around the world to study in the heart of Darwin.