$2 million in funding to drive Indigenous cricket growth

The NT Government has committed $2 million over four years to support Aboriginal participation in cricket programs across the Territory.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said the investment would promote positive social outcomes in remote Aboriginal communities and complemented broader programs aimed at improving health, wellbeing and community engagement.

“We know sport is a great way for our communities to connect and cricket has a strong and historic relationship with Indigenous Australia,” said Mr Charls.

“Many are unaware that the 1868 tour of England by an all-Aboriginal cricket team was the first overseas tour by any Australian sporting team.

“This funding will increase participation, engagement and representation along with promoting health, wellbeing and social cohesion in our remote and regional communities.

“Our government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security.”

The sport has a rich history in the NT with indigenous cricket, hosting the largest indigenous cricket carnival in Australia in Alice Springs each year, the Imparja Cup, along with remote indigenous cricket carnivals in Timber Creek, Borroloola, Katherine, and Tennant Creek with funding aimed to expand these initiatives.

Territory cricketer D’Arcy Short, originally from Katherine, is one of only eight Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander players who have played in the Australian men’s or women’s team across all formats of the game since 1880.

NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said the investment would help to inspire a new generation of Indigenous boys and girls to love and play the game.

“While cricket is Australia’s national sport, up here in the Territory, indigenous participation and representation has been left behind,” Mr Dovey said.

“This funding will allow us to increase our investment in programs that make cricket fun, welcoming and accessible to our Indigenous communities, as well as better support pathway opportunities for our talented male and female Indigenous cricketers.”

Northern Territory’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships men’s captain, Lachlan Dunemann (Kalkadoon), said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were integral to the Australian cricket story. “However many of our Indigenous communities face barriers in accessing opportunities to connect with the sport,” he said.

“This investment will make a significant impact in cricket participation, engagement and representation for our people across the Territory, and help ensure cricket continues to be known as an inclusive sport where everyone belongs.”