About the Desert Knowledge Precinct
DKA proudly acknowledges the Arrernte people as the custodians and first knowledge holders of this land.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct logo is the woody seed pod of the fork-leafed corkwood Hakea divaricata, an important tree species that has a strong story and connection to the site.
Partners & Organisations
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
- 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.
Aboriginal Investment NT
Backing Aboriginal-led Development Through Innovative Investment.
Batchelor Institute
Australia’s only dedicated, dual-sector Indigenous tertiary education provider, specialising in both-ways teaching.
CASSE Australia
CASSE is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to changing minds, transforming and saving lives.
Centre for Appropriate Technology
Supporting Aboriginal communities by delivering appropriate project design, technical innovation, infrastructure, and training services.
Community Justice Centre
The Community Justice Centre (CJC) is a Northern Territory Government service that offers free community mediation at local venues across the Territory.
Indigenous Desert Alliance
The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is an Indigenous-led, member-based organisation that plays a vital role in keeping the desert connected and building resilience for desert ranger programs.
Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation
Assisting Indigenous people to realise economic, social, cultural & environmental benefits from ownership & management of land & waters.
Kulintja Kutju
Response Employment and Training
Response Employment and Training is a locally based and owned training provider in the Northern Territory, offering nationally recognised training, predominately for the care and support sector.
A place of sharing
Located on the outskirts of Mparntwe / Alice Springs, the Precinct’s location is significant. It is a traditional meeting place, where in the past travellers would be permitted to camp and to send smoke signals requesting audience with Mparntwe representatives on the other side of Ntaripe / Heavitree Gap. It was a place of sharing knowledge, stories, ceremony and song. A place of welcoming before requesting passage north. The Precinct embodies the essence of the land on which it stands. It remains an important meeting place, where people, knowledge and technology converge.
The Precinct is a welcoming, nurturing space, a culturally safe place that is intentional in its design. We host indoor and outdoor events and visiting groups including schools and delegations of people looking to learn more about the region. DKA works to connect place, people, knowledge and opportunities for remote Australia.
The Precinct is a leader in renewable energy, with almost 50% of its electricity coming from solar power. The Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre is a globally recognised solar technology demonstration and testbed located at the Desert Knowledge Precinct.