Desert Knowledge Precinct
A welcoming environment that encourages learning, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct is a 73-hectare property, which sits on Arrernte bushland, 9 kilometres south of the Alice Springs town centre. It was established in 2006, and its management is underpinned by an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA). DKA is the landlord of the Desert Knowledge Precinct, and is responsible for its management and development.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct in Alice Springs.
DKA proudly acknowledges the Arrernte people as the custodians and first knowledge holders of this land.
The Precinct was created by three key partners who share similar goals and values, and all work onsite:
- Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA),
- Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, and
- the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT).
It is also home to the Desert Peoples Centre, a joint initiative of Batchelor Institute and CfAT, created to support positive outcomes for Indigenous Australians through education and training.
Located on the outskirts of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), the Precinct’s location is significant. It occupies the space where, in the past, travelling Aboriginal groups or messengers would stop and light smoke signals as a way of requesting passage through Heavitree Gap (Ntaripe). It was here that Elders or other group members from Mparntwe would meet the travellers and hear their stories. The Precinct embodies the essence of the land on which it stands, promoting knowledge sharing in a place where everyone is welcome.
We work with the people, communities and organisations of Central Australia to connect people, knowledge, and opportunities.
The Precinct’s key partners have worked together to create a welcoming environment that encourages learning, knowledge sharing and collaboration. The space nurtures relationships that strengthen Central Australian communities, and supports advancing regional and remote Australia. From its key partners located onsite and local organisations who share DKA’s office space, to school groups and visiting delegations, the Precinct provides a place for enterprises, research, education, partnerships, and cultural activities. Its distinctive surroundings and noteworthy location provide a unique setting to share desert knowledge, both ancient and emerging.
In addition to the organisations located onsite, the Precinct also houses the largest multi-technology solar demonstration facility in the world, the famed DKA Solar Centre, which supplies approximately 40% of the power consumed onsite each year.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct, located between Alice Springs and the town’s airport
Locate us
Find the Desert Knowledge Precinct on Google Maps.
Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct on Google Earth.
Stories
Media Release - DKA releases its new Strategic Plan 2023-2025
Mar 14, 2023
Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA) is pleased to announce the release of its Strategic Plan 2023-2025
Jimmy Cocking set to lead DKA into a new era
July 04, 2022
Well-known community leader and long-term Alice Springs resident Jimmy Cocking will assume the role of DKA CEO from Monday, 4 July 2022.
The Hon Chansey Paech sworn in as Minister for Desert Knowledge Australia in Territory first
May 05, 2022
The Hon Chansey Paech was sworn in as the first ever Minister for Desert Knowledge Australia on 4 May 2022, following an announcement from the Office of the Chief Minister.