Darwin Convention Centre - Foyer Refurb
In late 2023, Winya Indigenous Commercial Furniture commenced work on a landmark project in collaboration with the Darwin Convention Centre, one of Australia’s premier venues for business events in the Top End. The objective was to refurbish the venue’s extensive foyer soft seating, not by replacing furniture, but by revitalising it through sustainable design and cultural collaboration.
This project became a flagship demonstration of Winya’s dual commitment to environmental sustainability and authentic Indigenous inclusion, delivered through its Circular Economy Program and House Artist Program - both core to Winya’s operating model.
ARCHITECT: - CONTRACTORS: - LOCATION: Darwin, NT DURATION: Oct 2023 - May 2024
HOUSE ARTISTS FEATURED
Mim Cole (she/her) Mim Cole is a Larrakia artist blending traditional and abstract styles to express identity and connection to Country.
Danella Lee (she/her) Danella Lee is a self-taught Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri artist known for mixed-media works using natural materials.
Nadine Lee (she/her) Nadine Lee is a Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri multidisciplinary artist exploring culture through contemporary forms.
Scope of Work
The scope of Winya’s work focused on the complete re-upholstery and refurbishment of the Convention Centre’s existing foyer seating, which included dozens of high-use modular lounge units and armchairs that had served the space since the Centre's opening.
Rather than disposing of the aging furniture, a common route in commercial refurbishments, Winya proposed a solution that retained and upgraded the core seating. The refurbishment included:
Assessment and inspection of existing lounge seating to ensure structural soundness
Refurbishment of foam where required for improved comfort and support
Re-upholstery of all units in digitally printed fabric featuring works by Larrakia artists, supplied through Winya’s House Artist Program
Coordination of staged removals and re-delivery to minimise disruption to venue operations
Adherence to hospitality-grade fabric standards, including stain resistance, UV stability, and commercial durability
The project was delivered in stages over several months, aligning with the Centre’s event calendar to ensure seating availability for major public and corporate events.
Cultural Integration: House Artist Program
The cultural component of this project was central to its identity. As the Convention Centre sits on Larrakia Country, it was essential that the refreshed furniture reflected the stories, voices, and traditions of the Traditional Owners.
The selected fabrics were created through Winya’s House Artist Programa long-running initiative that commissions and licenses artwork from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across Australia, translating these works into high-quality printed fabrics suitable for commercial furniture applications. For this project, Winya engaged directly with several Larrakia artists, ensuring that the designs used were locally relevant and celebrated the visual culture of the region.
Each seating module became a canvas; weaving local identity into the everyday fabric of the building. The result is a foyer that not only looks renewed but speaks directly to the place it inhabits.
Sustainability in Practice: Circular Economy Program
This project is a textbook example of Winya’s Circular Economy Program, which prioritises extending the life of commercial furniture through reuse, refurbishment, and re-upholstery; minimising waste, emissions, and unnecessary consumption.
By choosing refurbishment over replacement, the Darwin Convention Centre:
Avoided sending high volumes of bulky furniture to landfill
Reduced the embedded carbon associated with manufacturing new products
Retained quality furniture frames already designed to meet commercial specifications
Made a cost-effective decision that aligned with ESG and social procurement goals
This approach reflects a broader shift in public and commercial procurement toward sustainable, lifecycle-focused decision making; one that Winya continues to champion in its government and corporate partnerships.
Outcome and Reception
The refreshed foyer seating was completed in May 2024 and has since been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from venue management, staff, and guests. With bold but respectful use of Larrakia artwork, the furniture has brought new life and identity into the public face of the building; creating a first impression that is warm, welcoming, and grounded in Country.
Peter Savoff, General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre, publicly commended the project:
“By working with Winya and their talented Larrakia artists, we are proud to have given our venue furniture a new lease on life – all while creating a harmonious blend of art and functionality that will resonate with visitors during their conference.”
This project has now become a case study for how venue spaces can meaningfully integrate Indigenous culture and sustainability goals without compromising on performance or style.
Contact us.
Info@winya.com.au
1300 184 799
Showrooms in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Darwin.