$2 Million Boost to Grow Indigenous Cricket Across the NT

The National Indigenous Sport Foundation welcomes the Northern Territory Government’s landmark commitment of $2 million over four years to drive Indigenous cricket participation across the Territory.

This investment, set to roll out from 2025–26, is a major step forward in supporting Aboriginal communities in regional and remote areas through sport. Cricket holds deep roots in the Northern Territory’s Indigenous communities, and this funding will help ensure the game remains inclusive, accessible, and reflective of our people and culture.

The NT proudly hosts Australia’s largest Indigenous cricket event, the Imparja Cup, held annually in Alice Springs. Alongside other important community carnivals in Timber Creek, Borroloola, Katherine, and Tennant Creek, these events showcase the spirit, skill, and stories of Aboriginal cricketers across the region. This funding will help expand and enhance these initiatives—providing more opportunities for young Indigenous players to pick up a bat and ball.

NT Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls, highlighted the broader benefits of this investment, saying it would support community connection, health and wellbeing:

“Sport is a powerful connector, and cricket has a long-standing relationship with Indigenous Australia. This investment is about more than the game—it’s about social outcomes, engagement, and representation.”

The legacy of Indigenous cricket runs deep. The 1868 Aboriginal cricket tour of England was the first international tour by an Australian sporting team—an often-overlooked moment in our national sporting history.

This new funding will help close the gap in participation and representation, building pathways for the next generation. NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said the investment would provide vital resources to grow culturally safe programs and create genuine opportunities for Indigenous players at all levels.

“Cricket has not always been accessible to our Indigenous communities in the NT. This support enables us to change that—by making cricket fun, welcoming, and a sport where everyone belongs,” he said.

NT’s own D’Arcy Short, a proud Katherine product and one of only eight Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander players to represent Australia across all formats, stands as a symbol of what’s possible when talent is nurtured.

Lachlan Dunemann, captain of the NT’s men’s team in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and a proud Kalkadoon man, echoed the importance of this announcement:

“This investment breaks down barriers that have long kept our people from fully engaging with cricket. It’s a chance to reshape the future and ensure our communities are seen, heard, and celebrated on and off the field.”

The National Indigenous Sport Foundation applauds this commitment and looks forward to working with NT Cricket and community leaders to ensure this investment delivers real and lasting change for Indigenous cricket in the Northern Territory.

Credit | https://createsend.com/t/t-EE04B7EBE91F55C02540EF23F30FEDED