Galaxy Event Center: A Sustainable Design for Multicultural Australia

The concept of Galaxy Event Center began in the aftermath of COVID-19, when retail and commercial spaces across Australia were sitting empty or being significantly underutilised, businesses were closing, and communities were facing a new economic and social reality.

For Preeti Darbari, an Indian architect and entrepreneur, this presented an opportunity to rethink how existing spaces could be used.

One such space was 401 Pacific Highway, Artarmon. The property had been empty and underutilized, representing an opportunity to give an existing commercial space a new purpose rather than allowing it to remain unused.

Preeti's vision was simple:

What if an underutilized commercial space could be transformed into a sustainable, flexible and multicultural community hub?

This question became the foundation for Galaxy Event Center.

From an Empty Space to a Versatile Destination

Rather than creating a new purpose-built facility, Preeti's concept focused on adaptive reuse — taking an existing space and redesigning its purpose to respond to contemporary community needs.

Galaxy Event Center was envisioned as more than a traditional function venue. It was designed as a multicultural community space where people from different backgrounds could celebrate, connect, learn, create and do business.

The venue can host a wide range of activities, including cultural celebrations, corporate events, workshops, seminars, women's programs, art workshops, networking events, exhibitions, product launches, photography, podcasts, birthdays and community gatherings.

This flexibility allows the same space to serve multiple purposes throughout the year, making better use of an existing property.

Facilities Designed for Flexibility

Galaxy provides a range of facilities that allow organizations, businesses and community groups to customise their events.

The standard setup includes 12 tables and 50 chairs, with the capacity to accommodate up to approximately 200 people when additional furniture is arranged.

The venue provides an 85-inch display, two microphones and a Bluetooth speaker, supporting presentations, workshops, panel discussions and community meetings.

High-speed Wi-Fi supports business meetings, digital presentations, hybrid activities, podcasts and content creation.

The venue also provides a microwave and refrigerator, along with tea and coffee on arrival.

Its BYO-friendly model gives communities flexibility to bring their own caterers, decorations and, subject to the venue's terms and conditions, alcohol. This is particularly important for multicultural events, where food and cultural presentation are central to celebrations.

Designed for Accessibility and Inclusion

Galaxy has easy ground-floor access with no stairs, helping make the venue accessible to people with different mobility needs. Lift access is also available for moving heavier event supplies.

The intention is to create a space that welcomes different cultures, generations, businesses and abilities.

Sustainability Beyond the Building

For Preeti, sustainability is not simply about installing environmentally friendly features in a new building.

It begins with the fundamental decision to reuse an existing space.

By transforming an empty and underutilized property at 401 Pacific Highway into a functioning community venue, Galaxy demonstrates how adaptive reuse can create social and economic value from existing infrastructure.

The same venue can support business networking on one day, an art workshop on another, a cultural celebration on the weekend and a community program the following week.

This multipurpose approach reduces the need for different organizations to maintain separate spaces for different activities.

Galaxy has also achieved Better Business Partnership (BBP) certification, reflecting its commitment to more sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices.

A Space for Multicultural Australia

As an Indian architect, Preeti understands the importance of culture, community and belonging.

Her vision for Galaxy is to create a place where Australia's multicultural communities can bring their own traditions into a shared Australian space.

The venue does not dictate what a community's celebration should look like.

Galaxy provides the space; the community brings the culture.

Through its flexible facilities and community-focused approach, Galaxy supports small businesses, artists, women-led initiatives, entrepreneurs and multicultural organizations.

What began with an empty and underutilized property at 401 Pacific Highway, Artarmon has become an example of how existing commercial spaces can be reimagined to create new community value.

A Different Definition of Sustainable Design

Galaxy Event Center demonstrates that sustainable design can be about more than construction materials, energy and buildings.

It can also mean reusing what already exists, supporting local businesses, creating inclusive spaces, celebrating cultural diversity and strengthening communities.

Preeti Darbari's vision is a simple one:

“When we reuse spaces thoughtfully, we can create not only sustainable places, but sustainable and connected communities.”

Galaxy Event Center — Reusing Space.

Connecting Cultures. Building Sustainable Communities.