Northern Territory Cricket is delighted with today’s announcement by the Finocchiaro CLP Government that it is delivering on its election commitment to support Indigenous Cricket growth with funding of $2 million over four years from 2025-26.
This investment will drive increased Indigenous cricket participation, engagement and representation, and help inspire a new generation of Indigenous boys and girls across the Northern Territory to love and play the game.
Cricket is Australia’s national sport, however the Northern Territory presents a significant opportunity for the game to deepen engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and create more opportunities for First Nations Australians across all aspects of cricket.
The sport has a rich history in the Northern Territory, with Mparntwe (Alice Springs) hosting the largest Indigenous cricket carnival in Australia, the Imparja Cup (est. 1994), alongside remote indigenous cricket carnivals in Timber Creek, Borroloola, Katherine, and Tennant Creek.
Territory cricket product D’Arcy Short, originally from Katherine, is also 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:
“I would like to thank the CLP Government for their continued investment and support of cricket, and for their recognition of the increasingly important role cricket plays here in the Territory."
“We are excited to be able to increase 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."
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said:
“We know sport is a great way for our communities to connect and cricket has a strong and historic relationship with Indigenous Australia, with many unaware that the 1868 tour of England by an all-Aboriginal cricket team was the first overseas tour by any Australian sporting team.”
“This investment will promote positive social outcomes in remote Aboriginal communities and complement broader programs aimed at improving health, wellbeing, and community engagement.”
NT National Indigenous Cricket Championships Men’s Captain, Lachlan Dunemann (Kalkadoon) said:
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are integral to the Australian cricket story, however many of our regional and remote Indigenous communities face real barriers to playing or connecting with the sport.”
“This investment will make a significant impact in cricket participation, engagement and representation for our people, and help ensure cricket continues to be known as an inclusive sport where everyone belongs.”