Northern Territory upgrades completed in Gapuwiyak sports oval

The Northern Territory Government's investment of $10 million over two years to upgrade sporting infrastructure in remote communities has resulted in the Gapuwiyak community now being able to enjoy night games with the completion of lighting upgrades at the sports oval at Gapuwiyak. 

The investment, which includes $2.8 million for East Arnhem, is seeing the region benefitting from a suite of upgrades, including oval lights and a new roof over the basketball courts at both Gapuwiyak and Millingimbi/Yirrwi.

The Northern Territory Government is working in partnership with regional councils to ensure funding supports community priorities and delivers improved sporting infrastructure.

Local contractor NT Electrical was awarded the contract to supply and install the Gapuwiyak sports oval lighting system comprising of four light towers and 16 floodlights on each tower at 100 lux lighting level.

NT Electrical has also been awarded the lighting contracts in Millingimbi/Yirrwi.

The Northern Territory Government will provide additional funding in 2019/20 for irrigation works at the Gapuwiyak oval.

Explaining the investement, Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss stated "we continue to invest in the Territory’s community assets because we know they build vibrant communities, boost the economy and create local jobs.

“Upgrading the oval lights provides more opportunities for sporting activities and other community events.”

Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo added “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 amenities will promote participation.

“Upgrading the Gapuwiyak lights will contribute to positive outcomes for families and community members health and wellbeing, not only in Gapuwiyak but in the wider region.”

East Arnhem Regional Council President, Kaye Thurlow concluded “in remote communities, participating in sport is a way of life. The funding from the Territory Government provides support to our continued work towards building strong and safe communities, and furthering the wellbeing of people and culture by providing suitable infrastructure to support our community based programs.

“The oval can now be utilised at night not only for sports but an extended social and civic events calendar which will be of great benefit to the community as a whole within Gapuwiyak.”

Image shows the Gapuwiyak Oval.