Army engineers help build new multi-million-dollar culture and arts centre in Northern Territory

A new multi-million-dollar culture and arts centre is almost ready to open about 220km west of Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory.

The new Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre has been built to support local First Nations artists thanks to the commitment of a small team of Army engineers from 19th Chief Engineer Works based at Randwick Barracks in Sydney.

Designed within the tree lines on the shore of Lake Evella, the new centre blends into nature on the edge of the Gapuwiyak township where it will join other arts centres in Arnhem Land on an Aboriginal arts trail.

Since the construction works began in May this year, project engineer Captain Joseph Chilvers has been making regular trips to the remote East Arnhem Land community to oversee the delivery of the new Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre.

Captain Chilvers noted “after spending five months in Gapuwiyak as a troop commander with 6th Engineer Support Regiment during the 2022 Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program, I wasn’t expecting to return to the community, but I’ve enjoyed travelling in and out of the community as the works have progressed.

“Seeing the youth centre we built back in 2022 being utilised by the community and being able to send photos back to my old troop has been good.

“Having the local knowledge and project management experience in the community has also been really helpful, particularly with addressing issues around logistics, sourcing materials in a remote location and engaging with community and local stakeholders.”

It is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency with a financial contribution from the Northern Territory Government and in-kind support from Army.

With the approaching wet season, the contractors, under the guidance of Captain Chilvers and works manager Warrant Officer Class One Liam Wardle, have worked seven days a week with the support of the Gapuwiyak community.

Captain Chilvers described the new Centre as “having a public-facing museum and a gallery” adding “it will have a studio and workshop area where local Aboriginal artists can create their art and visitors can come and learn from the artists.

“They currently use the porch of the existing arts centre but the community have really outgrown that facility.”

In addition to a café, the new fully air-conditioned arts centre will have office space and a large deck where the community can gather in front of Lake Evella, which is a popular swimming location for local children.

Captain Chilvers shared “It’s been a long wait for the community given we’ve been consulting and planning since 2019, but we’ve remained committed and worked hard to overcome the challenges.”

Image. Warrant Officer Class One Liam Wardle and Captain Joseph Chilvers from 19th Chief Engineer Works discuss the construction works for the new Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre with Kennelly Constructions Project Manager Ben Crawford. Credit: Australian Dept Defence/Corporal Lucas Petersen