Northern Territory Government to invest $1 million to install lights at Norbuilt Oval

The Northern TerritoryGovernment is investing $1 million to install lights at Norbuilt Oval at Freds Pass Reserve south of Darwin enabling night games and training for junior and senior players, helping children and adults avoid the harsh heat of the day.

Norbuilt Oval is home to the Southern Districts Football Club and more than 600 players. Southern Districts won four premierships in the 2024/25 NTFL season, including the Men’s Premier League, and the lighting upgrade will support the club’s continued success across all age groups where 80% of its player base are under the age of 18.

The club has worked proactively with the Litchfield Council as the landowners of the oval to ensure the lighting project is well-integrated with broader upgrades planned across Freds Pass Reserve.

These plans are supported by the Australian Government under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

Northern Territory Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls noted “these lights will allow families to enjoy footy together in the cooler hours, and it’s another step forward in improving sporting infrastructure across the Territory.”

Southern Districts Football Club President Kevin Mulvahil added "having lights at Norbuilt Oval means more flexibility for training, more evening games, and better access for families.

"It supports our junior development, our women’s teams, and ensures all our players, from the Aus Kick to the Premier League, have the facilities they deserve.”

Litchfield Council Chief Executive Stephen Hoyne said this project is a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together with the community.

"The collaboration between Council, the Northern Territory Government, and the Australian Government is delivering real results for local families, clubs and volunteers.

"It’s especially great for our rural community, which deserves access to quality sporting facilities close to home.”

Image. Stephen Hoyne (Litchfield Council CEO), Chris Civitarese (Litchfield Council Councillor), Doug Barden (Litchfield Council Mayor), Jinson Charls (Minister for People, Sport and Culture), Michael Bowden (SDFC player), Andrew Mackay (Member for Goyder), Kevin Mulvahil (SDFC President), Gerard Maley (Deputy Chief Minister and Member for Nelson).