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The AIATSIS Central Australian facility is now open to the public.

For the first time in our history, we’ve extended our presence beyond Canberra and opened a new Central Australian facility in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.

Mparntwe (pronounced m'barn-twa) is the Arrernte name of Alice Springs.

Our new facility in Central Australia provides culturally-appropriate digitisation and storage capacity.

The facility also enables local preservation of community-held collection materials and increased preservation and repatriation of Indigenous collections and cultural information.

'The opening of AIATSIS Central Australia is a significant event that showcases our commitment to preserving and honouring the rich history of Australia's Indigenous cultures.'
– Leonard Hill, Ngemba Man, AIATSIS CEO

Access

  • Search the AIATSIS Collection.
  • Visit or make an appointment to view digital collection materials.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can order up to 20 free copies per year of material from the AIATSIS Collection.
  • Support for communities to preserve their locally held collections.

Education

  • Deliver a cutting-edge school’s program is a key part of our education strategy.
  • Establish a learning hub that delivers an engaging interactive experience, providing professional development through culturally responsive training and educational resources.
  • Make stories from the AIATSIS Collection accessible to Australian students and educators and developing educational content.
  • Create a transformative learning experience for all Australian students and teachers, through on-line training or when visiting our facility.

Learning and research

  • Explore our exhibition space and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in all their diversity.
  • Opportunity to engage with the Collection through a vibrant exhibition program.
  • Undertake research on these cultures, including family history.

AIATSIS Central Australia is supported with funding from the Northern Territory Government.

 

Last updated: 13 May 2025