A Historic Landmark's Future Hangs in the Balance: Elders Feel Shut Out of Telstra Tower's Cultural Transformation!
Canberra's iconic Telstra Tower, a structure that has stood as a silent sentinel over the city, is currently a stark symbol of neglect. Since its closure to the public in 2020, the once-vibrant grounds have fallen into disrepair, choked by weeds, and the main entrance is now a forbidding barrier of barbed wire. This derelict state has become something of an embarrassment for the capital. For years, there have been whispers and behind-the-scenes discussions about revitalizing the tower, transforming it into a 'cultural tourism venue' that truly reflects the heritage of the city's First Peoples. However, a growing concern is emerging: are the Ngunnawal elders, the Traditional Owners of this land, being sidelined in these crucial conversations?
But here's where it gets controversial... While initial plans, developed with the input of Ngunnawal elders Uncle Richie Allan and Aunty Violet Sheridan and supported by Deloitte Indigenous Services since mid-2022, envisioned a rich cultural experience, the current direction seems to be shifting.
The Vision: A Cultural Heartbeat for Canberra
The original concept was ambitious and deeply meaningful. It proposed transforming the tower into a 'Ngunnawal cultural tourism venue'. Imagine stepping inside and being immediately transported back in time, experiencing Ngunnawal culture through digitally enhanced viewing platforms that illuminate First Nations history. Picture culturally inspired dining facilities and educational programs that would deeply connect visitors to the Ngunnawal people's profound relationship with the land. This wasn't just a business venture; it was a heartfelt endeavor to imbue Canberra with its true identity. As Aunty Violet Sheridan poignantly put it, "My vision started with a conversation to say, ‘Hey, let’s get this back open, but let’s make it the true identity of Canberra, the First Peoples of Canberra.’" Uncle Richie Allan echoed this sentiment, stating, "As soon as you walked through that door, it transcended you back into Ngunnawal culture, back into Ngunnawal country, and you see things through our eyes, you’ll hear things through our ears. You’ll be transcended back in time to see Canberra the way it used to be."
This vision garnered significant support, including a feasibility study, a concept video, and a report, with Telstra committing tens of millions of dollars to bring it to fruition. Even the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr backed the initial concept.
And this is the part most people miss... The timeline for this ambitious project has seen some significant shifts. In June 2024, Telstra and the ACT Government signed a letter of intent to collaborate on reopening the tower. A year later, in June 2025, a media release announced $233,000 in government funding. However, this was quickly followed by discussions about a different kind of experience – one focused on 'adventure experiences' such as "elevated external walks, tethered base jumping, zip lines, climbing courses and other similar activities." The Ngunnawal cultural components seemed to have faded from these new announcements.
A Growing Disconnect
This shift in focus did not go unnoticed. In September, Independent MLA Thomas Emerson and ACT Senator David Pocock publicly questioned the Chief Minister and Telstra, urging them to "follow through on their prior commitments to Ngunnawal elders." An official confirmation revealed that the ACT Government had indeed seen the final Deloitte feasibility report, but stated it was "a matter between [Telstra] and the community."
Ngunnawal elders are adamant: they want the original, culturally rich plan reinstated. Mr. Emerson expressed his deep disappointment, stating, "Extensive work went into developing a Ngunnawal-led vision for transforming Telstra Tower into a world-class cultural icon. Telstra invested in plans and committed significant capital to bring that vision to life. Turfing all that work would be both wasteful and deeply disrespectful to the Traditional Owners who’ve been driving this process." Senator Pocock added, "Let’s not allow this to become yet another missed opportunity to celebrate Ngunnawal culture and enliven tourism in the nation’s capital."
Uncle Richie and Aunty Violet have directly conveyed their concerns to the ACT Government, emphasizing Telstra's initial promise. "Telstra did make a promise to the Ngunnawal people that it will be a Ngunnawal cultural centre first and foremost," Uncle Richie stated, urging Telstra to "stand by your word."
The Government's Stance: Collaboration Continues (for now?)
The ACT Government maintains that conversations with Traditional Owners are ongoing to ensure the tower's reopening offers "meaningful cultural opportunities." A spokesperson confirmed that the Chief Minister met with Aunty Violet, describing it as a "positive discussion" and an agreement to "continue working collaboratively." The Chief Minister's directorate is also working with local Indigenous consultancy Lyrebird Dreaming on an engagement strategy. Over the next 12 months, the government plans to finalize commercial arrangements and refurbishment for the initial stage of the reopening, while simultaneously engaging with Indigenous communities on co-designing cultural elements.
However, the government also pointed out that the ultimate responsibility for the tower's final design rests with Telstra. "While Telstra has previously consulted Traditional Custodians on potential future uses of the site, including a cultural centre, those outcomes remain a matter for Telstra as the facility owner," a spokesperson clarified.
Telstra's Response: Acknowledging Significance, Deferring to Government
Telstra has acknowledged the "cultural significance of the site" and stated that it is "critically important to us that the Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians are a part of the planning process." A Telstra spokesperson indicated that the ACT Government is leading the engagement and developing its plan with the help of specialist advisors, and that Telstra is "committed to continuing this engagement."
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2027, but this is contingent upon "ongoing commercial negotiations, the successful procurement of a construction partner and the construction works proceeding smoothly."
What do you think? Is it acceptable for a project with such deep cultural roots to potentially pivot away from its original vision? Should Telstra be held solely accountable for the final outcome, or does the ACT Government bear equal responsibility? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
