The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) will showcase a range of economic and social impact initiatives at the 2025 Developing Northern Australia Conference (DNAC25), held Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July on Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji and Yirrganydji Country in Cairns.

From water security and Indigenous enterprise to digital health and agriculture, CRCNA and its partners are delivering real outcomes to support sustainable and inclusive development across the north.

CRCNA Chair, Adj. Prof. Sheriden Morris will provide a keynote outlining the organisation’s future directions.

“We’re proud to be working with partners across the north to drive locally led, evidence-based solutions. Our focus now is on deepening Indigenous partnerships, scaling innovation, and ensuring long-term impact,” said Ms Morris.

Key CRCNA projects featured at DNAC25 include:

  • Activating Indigenous Water Rights in Cape York
  • Aboriginal Sea Company: building an Indigenous fishing enterprise
  • Tiwi Forestry
  • Digital health and nutrition training, as well as telehealth technician roles in remote communities
  • Groote Eylandt Indigenous-led spatial planning
  • Water markets and water security for development and ecology
  • Landholder support with NT Farmers for quality agricultural growth.

In Far North Queensland, CRCNA is working with local leaders to unlock opportunities in water, agribusiness and regional development.

Chief Scientist Prof Allan Dale will mark his final year as DNAC Committee Chair after 11 years of leadership.

“It’s been an honour to help shape this platform into a powerful voice for northern collaboration. As I hand over the reins to a new generation of northern leadership, I’m confident the future is bright and the momentum will continue,” Prof Dale said.

Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement Anthony Curro will share the CRCNA’s vision to evolve into the Centre for Developing Northern Australia, ensuring the CRC’s legacy continues beyond 2027.

“We’re focused on de-risking development and building on what works. This transition can allow us to support the north for the long term,” Mr Curro said.

Visit the CRCNA booth to learn more and watch “Research that’s hotter than the north”, a new video by Belinda Carlson highlighting projects and people driving change across northern Australia.

Video: https://youtu.be/eOwXaYP5fV8

Centre for Developing Northern Australia: https://bit.ly/4nZhhZh