A new partnership between Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation and DCT Australia is setting a bold standard for collaboration in the Northern Territory’s civil and building construction sector. 

Launched at DCT Australia’s Howard Springs headquarters in September, the joint venture represents more than a business deal – it is a statement of intent: that Indigenous voices, knowledge and leadership will play a central role in shaping the Territory’s future. 

For Damien Vincent, Director of Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation and Arrgula Ngarmbalar Li Wunungu, the merger is about creating opportunities that extend well beyond construction sites. 

The roots of Arrgula Ngarmbalar (Coming Together in Strength) and Li Wunungu (Working on Country Together) trace back more than three decades to the vision of Kumantjai Harvey, a respected senior Marranbala lawman. 

Harvey laid the foundations 33 years ago, becoming the founding father of the organisation. 

Cultural leadership continues today through “Queen” Dinah Norman, a senior Yanyuwa Elder whose wisdom guided the organisation’s recent name change, and chief executive Warren Timothy, a Yanyula and Marra man, who has also given strong cultural leadership. 

THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES THE CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT

Together, they embody the spirit of coming together in strength and working side by side on Country. 

“This new partnership is about more than business – it’s about building a stronger future for our children and our people,” Damien says. 

“By partnering with DCT Australia, we can bring more employment back on to Country, create pathways for Indigenous people in the mining and civil industries, and ensure our mob has a genuine say in decisions that affect our communities.” 

The partnership comes at a critical time. 

As the Territory’s construction and mining sectors grow, demand for skilled labour is increasing. Yet Indigenous Territorians, especially in remote regions, have too often been left on the sidelines. 

Li Wunungu wants to change this by putting Indigenous employment, training and decision-making at the core of every project, ensuring communities benefit directly from local infrastructure.

DCT Australia, established in 2004, has been delivering high-quality civil and building projects across the Territory and is known for expertise in project planning and delivery, and risk management. 

Their team brings flexibility and precision to every job, from small-scale developments to major infrastructure works.

DCT Australia’s commitment to reliability, innovation, and sustainability ensures every project is completed to the highest standards.

“We are always innovating, always adapting, and always striving for excellence,” says managing director Nick Kambourakis.

“This partnership with Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation is about more than technical expertise. It’s about weaving cultural values and Indigenous perspectives into the very fabric of project delivery.”

Board members representing four clans in Borroloola – Garrwa, Yanyula, Gurdanji and Marra – were recognised for their role in ensuring Indigenous culture remains central to the partnership. 

Their involvement reflects a commitment to giving Elders and community leaders a strong voice in how the partnership operates and the team at DCT are listening! 

The message is clear: this is not just a merger of two organisations, but a coming together of knowledge systems, values and futures. It is about creating real opportunities on Country, establishing pathways in industries that have often excluded Indigenous people, and ensuring Territory development delivers lasting benefits for families and communities.

Vincent says: “We are pushing for more consultation, more Indigenous employment, and more hands-on involvement from our board, Elders and community members. This is about ensuring our mob benefits directly from the work that gets built.”

For the Territory, the partnership shows how business, culture and community can unite to create not only economic opportunities, but also a stronger, more inclusive future. TQ

GREAT PARTNERSHIP … (FROM LEFT) TIMOTHY WARREN, ANASTASI KAMBOURAKIS, DAMIEN VINCENT AND NICK KAMBOURAKIS