For the third year in a row, a wide range of free activities will be on offer in Alice Springs and remote communities these summer school holidays, funded through the Albanese Government’s A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia (Central Australia Plan).
Delivered over six weeks, the program starts next weekend and will run in Alice Springs and 26 remote communities including Kintore, Atitjere and Titjikala.
A favourite for many, the much-loved ice rink will return to the Alice Springs Convention Centre from 6 January and will be open 12-7pm on weekdays.
Other activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, music workshops, obstacle courses, waterslides, movies and ten pin bowling.
Young people can learn new skills with robotics and cooking workshops, as well as bike repair lessons.
Last year’s summer holiday program recorded more than 24,600 attendances across 1,461 activities delivered by community organisations and local councils, highlighting the strong community interest and the value of providing safe, engaging spaces for young people.
The summer school holiday program is delivered in partnership with the Alice Springs Town Council, Central Desert Regional Council and MacDonnell Regional Council.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Our summer school holiday program is about making sure children and families in Central Australia have access to a range of free and engaging activities.
“We’re proud to support local organisations and councils to deliver activities to Alice Springs and remote communities.
“The summer school holiday program is part of our Central Australia Plan, an investment which is deliver for families and communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“After a big turn out last summer, I am looking forward to seeing young people enjoy this year’s activities.
“Summers in Central Australia are long and hot, and this is felt even more so in remote communities, but I am proud that the Australian Government is supporting families with the much-loved school holiday program.
“The summer school holiday program provides a range of fun activities for kids, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills, like bike repairs and connect with culture through art, dance and other activities.”
Quotes attributable to Alice Springs Mayor Asta Hill:
“Council is really proud to deliver such a full and exciting summer program again this year. We have enjoyed a partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) for the last three years to help provide activities that make a real difference for young people in Alice Springs, and we’re grateful for that continued support.
"Our Library, Aquatic & Leisure Centre and Community Development teams are gearing up for another massive season, and I want to acknowledge the work they do behind the scenes to make these programs possible for local families.
"We’re committed to creating safe, fun and welcoming spaces for kids and families right across Alice Springs, and this year’s program is shaping up to be another great example of what our community can achieve together.”