The Federal government has confirmed it will build a revamped Ngurra – The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct (Ngurra) – at the Acton Peninsula in Canberra.

Ngurra, meaning ‘home’, ‘country’ or ‘place of belonging’, will be a place where Australians and international visitors have the opportunity to learn, experience and engage with over 65,000 years of culture, tradition, and story, the government said in a statement.

As part of the revamped plan for Ngurra, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies’ (AIATSIS) current premises will be upgraded and expanded to include a National Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre.

“The transformation of AIATSIS will include a National Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre will ensure the world’s oldest living cultures can be celebrated by all,” Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney said.

“By revamping Ngurra, the Government will be able to build this important national institution in both a financially responsible, and culturally appropriate way.”

The Government will also create a National Resting Place to house and care for First Nations ancestral remains with provenance to Australia only.

The Government plans to undertake further consultations, including with local Traditional Owners on the new design process, to ensure the National Resting Place is delivered in a culturally appropriate way.