The Manapan furniture team was entrusted with crafting a full suite of furniture for the NT Indigenous Business Networks newly constructed NTIBN Indigenous Business and Employment Hub. Ranging from coffee tables and high tables, 15 pieces in total. However the showstopper to this project was to create a unique board room table for a unique shaped room.

For this table the Manapan team drew inspiration from NTIBN’s dedication to representing First Nations people and their businesses across the Northern Territory. The team was challenged with creating a table that complimented the room’s irregular shape and subsequently produced an innovative boardroom table design inspired by Milingimbi Island.

Four craftsmen spent over 300 hours planning and crafting this imaginative piece at Manapan’s workshop on Milingimbi Island in Arnhem Land - located 500kms from Darwin. Surrounded by ‘Darwin Stringy Bark’ timber is a striking ‘Black Butt’ carving feature that symbolises the six distinct regions of the Northern Territory: Darwin, Top End, East Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly and Central Australia.

Over four meters at its longest point and two meters wide, this 16 to 18 seat table demands to be admired. This immense table was wholly constructed on Milingimbi Island and transported to its new home by sea and land. By engaging with Manapan in projects such as this, NTIBN is supporting Yolŋu owned businesses that aim to create lasting training and employment opportunities for the Yolŋu people of East Arnhem Land.