Celebrating dormakaba’s contribution to Charles Darwin University’s new city campus
The opening of Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) new city campus, Danala | Education and Community Precinct (ECP), marks a transformative milestone for Darwin and its thriving community. Nestled in the heart of the CBD, this $240 million landmark embodies innovation, accessibility and community spirit. dormakaba Australia is proud to have played a pivotal role in equipping this modern facility with advanced access solutions designed to support its mission as a hub for education and community engagement.
A landmark for education and community
The new campus, affectionately named “Danala” after the Larrakia word for ‘dillybag,’ is a testament to collaboration and the power of local expertise. Constructed by DCOH, over 70,000 hours of labour were contributed by 173 First Nations workers, surpassing employment targets for Indigenous representation. This achievement underscores the project’s dedication to community growth and inclusivity.
dormakaba’s advanced access solutions
As a key partner in the project, dormakaba supplied the latest access systems, ensuring seamless movement and enhanced safety throughout the building. Solutions included:
Automatic sliding and swing doors: Providing smooth and efficient entry points across the facility.
Door hardware: Which included door closers, door furniture, mortice locks, and electromechanical locking systems for enhanced security and functionality.
Kilargo seals:High-performance acoustic, smoke, and fire door seals from dormakaba subsidiary Kilargo, ensuring safety and comfort.
These products were expertly installed in partnership with our local distributor Commercial Doors & Hardware NT, reflecting dormakaba’s commitment to quality and collaboration with trusted distributors.
Designed for accessibility, safety, and innovation
Andrew Bet, State Manager for South Australia/Northern Territory at dormakaba, highlighted the significance of the project:
“The opening of CDU’s new campus is a proud moment for the local community, and we at dormakaba are honoured to have contributed to its success. Our solutions are designed to enhance accessibility, safety, and user experience, creating an environment that empowers students, staff, and visitors. This campus stands out as a leading institution for innovation and education for the Northern Territory.”
A vision for Darwin’s future
Danala is more than a campus—it’s a community centrepiece. With spaces dedicated to education, public use, and events, it promises to invigorate the local economy while fostering meaningful connections. The integrated library, featuring collections from Library & Archives NT and CDU Library, exemplifies the blending of education and community service.
Recognising collaborative excellence
dormakaba acknowledges the architects at Mode Design, builders at DCOH, and developers at Capital Insight for their exceptional work on this project. Together, we’ve delivered a facility that supports CDU’s vision of providing world-class education while enriching the Darwin community.
As students and staff settle into their new environment, dormakaba looks forward to seeing how Danala will inspire growth, learning, and connection for generations to come.
For more information about dormakaba’s contributions to transformative projects like CDU’s Danala | Education and Community Precinct, contact our team.