Northern Territory Government invests in new sports oval for remote Elliott community

As part of the $10 million Remote Sports Infrastructure Program, the Northern Territory Government is providing $500,000 towards a new sporting oval for the Elliott community, with the Barkly Regional Council contributing around $400,000.

Located almost halfway between Darwin and Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, the town is in the Yapurkulangu ward of the Barkly Region and the area is the home of the Jingilipeople with the traditional name of the town being Kulumindini.

Commenting on the funding, Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss stated "we want to see more Territorians in remote communities participate in sport to improve health and well-being outcomes, and well-maintained sporting facilities including ovals with good facilities, will promote participation,.

“We continue to work with regional councils to ensure this funding supports their key priorities and is aligned with community expectations.”

The oval site was selected after extensive community consultation with Traditional Owners and residents and will ensure the whole community is able to access it. Traditional owners and community members have been working closely with Barkly Regional Council on the project, with a large portion of land cleared by Origin Energy contractors at no cost to get the project off to a flying start. 

The oval works will be done by local company Arnhem Earthmoving and Mechanical and are expected to be completed during April.

Local Member for Barkly, Gerry McCarthy added "this sport and recreation infrastructure project is great news for Elliott.

“Elliott has a proud history of sporting teams, athletes and performing artists as great role models in the community.

“Located in the heart of town, the new oval will provide more opportunities for sporting activities, including Barkly AFL home-and-away games and junior sports development programs; performing arts festivals and other community events which will contribute to positive outcomes for families and young people’s health and wellbeing.”