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; and celebrates Harold Furber as the Precinct’s Elder-in-Residence.
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.
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 Alice Springs (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.
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.
Business and Innovation Centre
DKA is located in the Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), a sophisticated office facility designed by award-winning architects. The organisations currently located in the BIC are:
The Precinct’s Business & Innovation Centre.
Locate us
Find the Desert Knowledge Precinct on Google Maps.
Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct on Google Earth.
Stories
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.
DKA farewells Dr Dan Tyson
Mar 11, 2022
Dr Dan Tyson marks his last day at Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA), after nearly three years in the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Lessons Learnt: Preventing violence against Aboriginal women and children in Central Australia
Jan 24, 2022
Key messages and learnings from the panel discussion hosted by DKA and CAAFLU.