Danala opens as the future of higher education in Darwin

It’s an important day for higher education in the Northern Territory with the official opening of Danala, the new Charles Darwin University Education and Community Precinct campus.

Next semester, the new campus will throw its doors open to students, delivering courses in information technology, software engineering, law, accounting and more. 

Students studying at Danala will be welcomed by first-class facilities in a modern, spacious environment, centrally located, close to public transport and retail facilities.

Danala will feature two levels open to the public, including a new library co-locating the Charles Darwin University and Northern Territory Library collections – and will also support entertainment and events in the Darwin CBD.

The opening of Danala is the culmination of over half a million work hours through the planning and construction phases, and provided over 1,500 jobs including nearly 1,000 for Territorians. First Nations employees comprised 12 per cent of the workforce, exceeding 70,000 work hours.

The facility is expected to create 54 new direct jobs, as well as ongoing benefits across the broader Darwin CBD and community.  

The $239.8 million project was supported with $97.3 million from the Australian Government and a $126.5 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility with Charles Darwin University contributing the remainder of the funding. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“It’s been a privilege to see the development of this extraordinary campus over the past few years. 

“Its construction has created over 1000 jobs for Territorians, and Danala’s completion is now revitalising the Darwin CBD and honouring Larrakia culture. 

“Australia is known globally as a leader in world-class education and campuses like Danala mean that our students can access world-class facilities, no matter where they live.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

“This modern, state of the art facility will make CDU an even better place to study.

“It is great news for students, staff and the Top End.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King:

“This is another example of NAIF investment creating jobs and driving economic growth across northern Australia. 

“A strong north means a strong Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon Luke Gosling:

“We said we’d deliver more community infrastructure in Darwin and Palmerston and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“As part of the Darwin City Deal, NAIF generously provided a loan of over $126.5 million towards the ECP.

“Supporting projects like the new city campus supports Territorians, creating more jobs for locals and opportunities for local businesses. 

“Danala will be a centre of educational excellence, attracting students from all over the country—and the world—to live, work, and study in the centre of Darwin.”

Quotes attributable to CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman: 

“Danala will stand as a beacon for Darwin, proudly showcasing the city as an education hub. 

“This precinct will attract students from across Australia, around the world, and most importantly, from across the Northern Territory.

“Danala will serve as a hub where ideas flourish and connections are made, reinforcing our commitment to being Australia’s most connected university.”