Prisoners at the Darwin Correctional Centre can now reconnect with their cultural and spiritual heritage with the opening today of a new Indigenous Centre.

Designed by prisoners and elders involved in the Elders Visiting Program (EVP), the space will act as a central meeting place where prisoners and elders can talk freely about issues involved in offending behaviour.

Central to the Indigenous Centre will be a traditional Larrakitj Memorial Pole that will be dedicated during a ceremony led by the elders and prisoners from the Saltwater/Gulf region.

Crafted by prisoners from the East Arnhem region, the purpose of placing the Larrakitj is to preserve the memory of prisoners who have passed away whilst incarcerated, symbolise power and strength and encourage prisoners to maintain their connection to homelands and cultural identity.

Commissioner Ken Middlebrook said that by having a place where prisoners could gather and visit traditions would increase their sense of community and self-worth and, in turn, improve their chances of successfully reintegrating into the community.

“We are placing a heavy emphasis on work and employment in the Territory’s correctional centres to get prisoners work ready on their release but we must not lose sight of the importance of maintaining and building strong cultural links for the overwhelming number of indigenous prisoners in the system,” he said.

“I congratulate the elders who have supported the establishment of the centre and the prisoners and staff for making it a striking presence within the main prison.

“I am certain it will evolve into an important place for elders and prisoners to sit and talk and get ready to return as productive members of their communities.”

Media Contact: David Harris 0400 342 389

Please note: The Indigenous Centre will be officially opened at 2pm at the Darwin Correctional Centre, Willard Road, Holtze. Media attending are asked to be at the DCC at 1.15pm to enable required security procedures to be completed in time for the opening.