• City of Darwin is continuing its commitment to reconciliation through the introduction of new staff polo shirts featuring Larrakia artwork.  

• The shirts showcase an original design by award-winning Larrakia artist Denise Quall, celebrating local culture, storytelling and connection to Country.  

• The initiative supports City of Darwin’s commitment to creating visible and meaningful opportunities to recognise Larrakia culture across the organisation. 

City of Darwin is proud to introduce a new Larrakia-designed polo shirt for staff, featuring artwork by acclaimed local Larrakia artist Denise Quall. 

The selected artwork is inspired by a story of Gudnimidjinda (saltwater) during the wet season, when rivers overflow and the Dambilba (barramundi) travel to the Karawa (fresh waters) to spawn. 

City of Darwin Lord Mayor, Peter Styles, said the polo shirts were a meaningful way to embed reconciliation into everyday Council life. 

“These shirts are a visible celebration of Larrakia culture and a reflection of City of Darwin’s commitment to reconciliation,” Mr Styles said. 

“Denise’s artwork tells an important local story and highlights the beauty, culture and connection to Country that make Darwin unique.” 

“We are proud to showcase local First Nations artists and create opportunities for Larrakia culture to be recognised across our organisation,” he said. 

Denise is a Larrakia woman and descendant of the Dangalaba Kulumbiringin Clan who has lived in Darwin her entire life.  

Denise’s dreaming is the Danagalaba, the saltwater crocodile, and her totem is Nagandji Nagandji, the Brahminy Kite (Sea Eagle). 

The polo shirt initiative supports City of Darwin’s commitment to recognising and celebrating First Nations cultures, histories and contributions. 

City of Darwin’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan focused on strengthening relationships with the Larrakia community and embedding reconciliation across the organisation, including the formation of a dedicated Reconciliation Advisory Committee. 

City of Darwin’s Reconciliation Advisory Committee, First Nations Staff Support Network, Implementation Group and Community and Cultural Service team helps guide Council’s reconciliation efforts and strengthen relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations people across the municipality. 

Caption: City of Darwin Elected Members from left to right, Kim Farrar, Julie Fraser, Edwin Joseph, Sam Weston, Lord Mayor Peter Styles, artist Denise Quall, Peter Pangquee, Jimmy Bouhouris, Sylvia Klonaris. Front, Sharni Carson, and Patrik Ralph. Photo by Up North Media.