Northern Territory Cricket has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s $2.6 million investment into Wanguri Oval and Nakara Oval, with the upgrades set to strengthen community sport infrastructure across Darwin’s northern suburbs.
The investment includes $1.5 million for a lighting upgrade at Wanguri Oval, supporting increased playing access and greater scheduling flexibility for cricket, football and other community sport.
A further $1.1 million will support upgrades at Nakara Oval, improving precinct safety, accessibility and community use.
NT Cricket thanks the Northern Territory Government and the Minister for People, Sport and Culture, the Hon Jinson Charls MLA, for recognising the importance of grassroots sporting infrastructure and its role in supporting participation across the Territory.
NT Cricket Head of Clubs and Competitions Karl Mayne said the Wanguri Oval lighting upgrade would provide an important boost for cricket in Darwin.
“Cricket in Darwin continues to grow, particularly across our multicultural communities and women’s and girls’ programs,
This investment will make a real difference to how we schedule community cricket and provide more flexible playing opportunities for clubs, participants and families.
On behalf of NT Cricket, I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government and Minister Charls for their support of community sport infrastructure.
Facilities like Wanguri Oval play an important role in creating accessible and welcoming environments for Territorians to play, volunteer and stay connected through sport.”
The upgrades form part of a broader commitment to improving grassroots sporting facilities and encouraging greater participation across all ages and abilities.
The funding will be provided as a dedicated grant to the City of Darwin, with both Wanguri Oval and Nakara Oval falling under City of Darwin jurisdiction.