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Two of the Northern Territory’s most popular events have been recognised for innovation and excellence at the Place Leaders Asia Pacific Awards.

The awards recognise physical projects, place processes and leadership that delivers positive outcomes for communities across the Asia Pacific region.

The Darwin International Laksa Festival took home the top award for its leadership in best practice placemaking, which is the process of transforming and strengthening our connections with public places. 

In 2023, more than 7,000 people and 90 local businesses participated in the month-long Festival. On average, participating businesses reported an increase in customers and sales, generating an additional $5,000 of revenue per surveyed business during the month.

More than 5,000 people attended the one-day Festival Finale, which injected an estimated $275,000 back into the Territory economy.

Participating venues agreed unanimously that the Festival provides positive social and community benefits for locals, while 95% of attendees agreed that the Northern Territory Government should continue to invest in events like the Darwin Laksa Festival.

Meanwhile, after seven successful years brightening the streets of Darwin’s city and suburbs, the Darwin Street Art Festival’s innovation and excellence in digital placemaking has also been recognised.

The Festival was also honoured at the recent Australian Street Art Awards held on Friday 8th March, winning bronze for Best Street Art Festival in Australia, and silver for the Best External Mural Award for Australian artist Adnate’s 19-metre tall mural on the rear of the Travelodge Resort.

The success of Activate Darwin has seen the establishment of Activate Alice and Activate Katherine, who all run similar events and programs creating positive and vibrant regional centres for Territorians.

Activate Katherine was also highlighted at the Australian Street Art Awards, being awarded silver in the Best Rural Art category for the Katherine Power Substation Murals and bronze for the Katherine Art Trail.

The Darwin International Laksa Festival and Darwin Street Art Festival are signature activities of Activate Darwin, an initiative of the NT Government in the Darwin City Deal that brings vibrancy and activity to the streets of Darwin through place-making and engagement with local businesses and the community.

NT Chief Minister, Eva Lawler noted “The Darwin Street Art Festival and Darwin International Laksa Festival are signature events for Activate Darwin. Both events contribute to our amenity and our economy.

“The Place Leaders Asia Pacific Awards Program promotes and celebrates innovation and excellence in placemaking that enriches the life and well-being of communities.”

The Place Leaders Asia Pacific awards were held in Brisbane on 29th February 2024.

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