Joint Media Release with Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie and Country Liberals Candidate for Solomon Kathy Ganley

Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, and CLP Candidate for Solomon, Kathy Ganley, have welcomed the announcement of $493,056 into local sporting infrastructure as part of the second $30 million round of the Coalition Government’s Community Sport Infrastructure Program.

“The Darwin Basketball Association will receive the $493,056 funding to install air conditioning in the Spectrum Stadium located at the Darwin Basketball stadium precinct in the Marrara sports complex,” Senator Scullion said.

“This investment demonstrates the Federal Coalition’s strong commitment to delivering for all Territorians through initiatives like this for better community infrastructure as well as the $4.2 billion we are investing in Northern Territory services and infrastructure this year.”

Mrs Ganley said Territorians love their sport.

“Sport plays an essential role across the Territory in bringing the community together.

“Air conditioning of the indoor stadium is essential for all year round use for basketball and other sports, along with wellness activities and community functions and events.

“Most important, the upgrade will bring the stadium in line with Basketball Australia Facilities Master Plan, which will benefit all Territorians.  The Territory will now have the ability to attract, host and enjoy large scale national events and enable Australians to see firsthand why we love our Territory lifestyle,” Mrs Ganley said.

Darwin Basketball Association Competitions and Officials Manager, Bradley Malady, said the upgrade to air-condition all of the Darwin Basketball Stadium is a big boost for the 2,000 basketballers in Darwin as well as all the volunteers, officials and spectators of the sport.

“The Darwin Basketball Association board, employees, clubs, players, parents and volunteers are incredibly excited and grateful to the federal government, Minister for Sport (Bridget McKenzie) and local CLP candidate Kathy Ganley, for approving a grant to air-condition the three Spectrum Stadium courts,” Mr Malady said.

Kerri Savidge, Executive Officer of the Darwin Basketball Association, said, “Anyone who has played on the Spectrum stadium courts, watched their children play or refereed games, knows how hot the playing conditions are in the tropical Darwin climate. This grant is a game changer for Darwin basketball. Federal government support for, and recognition of, the importance of the sport of basketball to the Darwin and broader Northern Territory community is very welcome. Having a fully air-conditioned five court basketball facility in Darwin is a big step forward for the sport.”

Minister McKenzie said, “The Coalition Government understands that our success and prowess as a sporting nation begins with grassroots sports, which is why we have focused our investment on local grassroots sporting facilities such as the Darwin Basketball Association.”

“As outlined in the National Sports Plan, Sport 2030, grassroots sports help drive increased participation and promote social, health and community benefits of physical activity and sport – a key priority for our government.”