Children and young people in Alice Springs and remote communities in Central Australia will have access to a range of free activities these summer school holidays.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.2 million to support community organisations and local councils to deliver youth programs and school holiday activities for the next two years.
Across Central Australia, young people will enjoy a range of health and well-being activities, from AFL and basketball matches to dance-offs, musical talent showcases and ping pong matches.
Young people in the remote communities of Yuendumu, Santa Teresa and Areyonga will be invited to weekly splash parties, while children from neighbouring communities can attend circus groups, fashion design, song writing and cooking workshops.
In Alice Springs there will be a range of activities such as roller skating, laser tag, bike riding, arts and crafts, skate park DJ and cinema sessions, splash parties and ten pin bowling.
This is in addition to the Northern Territory Government’s initiative to make the Alice Springs Aquatic Centre free over the summer period.
This year’s program builds on the success of last year’s summer school holiday program, which had more than 20,000 attendances at events, helping reduce youth related antisocial behaviour.
This funding forms part of the Albanese Government’s Budget 2023-24 $9.2 million commitment to strengthen community safety under the $250 million A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia (Central Australia Plan).
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Investing in our youth is an investment in our future and the Albanese Government is committed to delivering youth initiatives that provide far reaching benefits for all communities in Central Australia, including those in remote locations.
“Our summer holiday program investment will ensure young people in Central Australia can take part in fun and healthy activities.
“Engaging in these sorts of activities is good for well-being and will encourage positive social behaviours that benefit young people, families and the wider Central Australia community.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“I welcome this additional funding for the Summer in Central Australia program. School holiday activities offer children and young people a variety of fun, exciting and enjoyable experiences. Importantly, they also enhance physical and mental well-being.
“School holiday programs are critically important for developing young people’s independence, decision-making skills and self-esteem.
“I’m proud of the Albanese Government for funding this jam-packed program, which together with the Northern Territory’s decision to make the Alice Springs Aquatic Centre free over summer, will keep our children and young people safe over the holiday period.”
Quotes attributable to The Y, Area Manager Elena Pecorari:
“Pools are much more than a place to swim, particularly in remote communities. Local swimming pools are a vital and valuable community resource - places to gather, connect and cool down on a hot day.
“Funding for the school holiday splash parties at The Y will inject a huge amount of fun in the community and give young people and their families something to look forward to on a weekly basis.”