Children from Darwin’s northern suburbs have showcased their creativity and imagination through City of Darwin’s “My Neighbourhood is the Park and Play Village” art competition, with 32 submissions received from local young artists. 

The competition formed part of a project designed to improve road safety while enhancing neighbourhood liveability and community connection across Chambers Crescent and Koolinda Crescent. 

Children aged between 5 and 12 from suburbs across the Green Belt and Recreational neighbourhood, including Alawa, Jingili, Moil, Wagaman, Wulagi, Anula, Malak, Karama and Marrara, were invited to contribute artworks inspired by the theme. 

The winning artworks will be transformed into permanent public art in the form of colourful infrastructure wraps near the Malak Markets Carpark and Robyn Lesley Park.  

Installation of the wraps is expected to occur in June 2026, bringing colour and character to the area while celebrating the creativity, diversity and perspectives of young residents. 

The upgrade program will provide local area traffic calming measures, alongside improvements that support how people live, move and connect within their neighbourhoods. 

The project aligns with City of Darwin’s Place and Liveability Plan 2050 and Movement Strategy, contributing to safer streets, improved accessibility, enhanced public spaces and opportunities for cultural expression. 

Winners were selected by a panel of City of Darwin Elected Members who followed a judging criterion to award the artworks that best represented the theme.  

The winning artwork was produced by 12-year-old Mali who said: “In my artwork I tried to incorporate elements that make Darwin my home.  

“My artwork represents a neighbourhood where people can come together to enjoy activities in Darwin’s unique climate, environment and cultural history.  

“It’s a place where families and their pets feel safe and spend time together in nature.” 

Councillor Sylvia Klonaris, Elected Member for Waters Ward, was one of the judges and said: “It was great to see so many artworks showcasing our young people's connection to their local neighbourhood. 

“We were thrilled with the quality and quantity of outstanding submissions received, making it very difficult to select the eventual winners.” 

Lord Mayor Peter Styles was also pleased with the creativity on show, adding: “City of Darwin extends its thanks to all participating children and their families for their contributions.  

“It's great to see involvement from young artists helping to shape public spaces, reflecting local identity and community aspirations for a more vibrant and connected city.”  

“My neighbourhood is the Park and Play Village” winners: 

Age group: 5 years to 8 years-old: 

First place: Amara from Kamara - wins a graphic design pack. 

Age group: 9 years to 12 years-old: 

First place: Mali from Marrara – wins an iPad. 

To see all art submissions and for more information on the Chambers and Koolinda Crescents upgrades and the City of Darwin’s Liveability Platform, visit  Liveability Platform — Data Insights Platform