Territory Day to remain at Mindil Beach for 2024 following NTMEC oversight

After Territorians voiced their anger and disappointment at the announcement by the Northern Territory Government of shifting Territory Day celebrations on 1st July 2024 to the Darwin Waterfront instead of the iconic Mindil Beach, the NT government has reversed their decision.

The Territory Day celebrations at Mindil Beach have been occurring for more than 20 years, and will continue to do so.

Among the public’s concerns were that the Darwin Waterfront would be too crowded, not have enough parking, and have a worse view than at the site by the Timor Sea.

Earlier this week, the NT Government revealed that a bureaucratic oversight had seen the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), which runs the celebrations, make a snap decision to change the event's location.

The company had failed to ever acquire an authority certificate from the NT's sacred sites watchdog, the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA).

The certificate, while said to be ‘best practice’, is not mandatory, but would prevent the company from being liable from any damage to the beach, which is sacred to the Larrakia people.

NTMEC will work to ensure an Authority Certificate is acquired for next year and every year after. NTMEC will work with AAPA to understand if any areas of significance need to be cordoned off to minimise foot traffic.

AAPA said in a statement earlier this week that it had never given advice to the NTMEC to relocate the event, and that decision had been made solely by the agency.

NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler noted “We’ve heard Territorians loud and clear and Territory Day will remain at Mindil Beach.

“The plan to move Territory Day was the wrong one and we’ve listened to the community to fix it and keep the event at Mindil Beach.”

Minister for Major Events, Brent Potter added “we have spoken to NTMEC and AAPA and feel comfortable that we can manage the risks. We will go ahead at bringing a great positive event to mark Territory Day.”