Gumatj Corporation has announced its acquisition of the Captain Cook Shopping Centre in Nhulunbuy, NT, marking a major milestone for the organisation, with the centre now in the hands of Traditional Owners.

Located at 9 Arnhem Road, Nhulunbuy, the 1,366 square metre site will now be known as the Gumatj Retail Precinct, forming the first major step in a new retail vertical for Gumatj Corporation as it works to strengthen the region’s retail offering, create new opportunities for local enterprise, and reinvest back into community.

Established in 1987, the centre was previously owned by Askeed Pty Ltd and has long served as an important community hub for Nhulunbuy and surrounding communities. The precinct is home to a number of key services and retailers, including Gove Warehouse and Australia Post, as well as Rafiki’s Café, which has become a central meeting place for dining, connection and community life in the town.

Gumatj Corporation CEO Klaus Helms OAM said the acquisition marked an important step in the organisation’s continued growth and its commitment to creating long-term community benefit.

“This is a defining moment for Gumatj Corporation and a powerful statement about what Indigenous-led economic development can achieve. Securing this significant community asset into Traditional Owner custodianship gives us the ability to shape the future of this precinct, grow local enterprise, create employment and ensure the wealth generated in our region stays in our region.

“For decades, Gumatj Corporation has invested in building opportunities for our people. The Gumatj Retail Precinct is the next chapter in that journey, acting as a tangible example of economic self-determination in action and our commitment to creating lasting prosperity for generations to come,” said Mr Helms.

As part of its plans to position the precinct as a centre of community life, Gumatj Retail will also bring pop-up markets and community activations to the site throughout the year. Designed to welcome local producers, suppliers, makers and craftspeople, the markets will aim to create an opportunity for the community to trade, gather and celebrate local products, produce and enterprise.

Mr Helms said the markets would help bring new energy to the precinct while creating further opportunities for local participation.

“We want this precinct to be active, welcoming and reflective of the community it serves. The markets will provide a platform for local producers and craftspeople, while creating a space for people to come together, connect and celebrate what makes this region so unique,” said Helms.

The Gumatj Retail Precinct is located at 9 Arnhem Road, Nhulunbuy.