The community of Maningrida has celebrated the opening of new changerooms at Maningrida Oval, a major infrastructure upgrade delivered by the West Arnhem Regional Council with support from the Albanese Government.
Funded through a $4.58 million grant from the Aboriginals Benefit Account, the new changerooms provide modern amenities for players, officials and spectators.
The upgrades include showers and toilets as well as canteen amenities and shaded seating areas, designed to support local sporting teams and community events.
These improvements will also help enable greater participation in sport for women and girls by providing more inclusive and accessible spaces.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“These new changerooms in Maningrida are a wonderful example of how targeted investment can strengthen remote First Nations communities and support local aspirations.
“The Albanese Labor Government recognises the important role that sporting facilities play in communities, especially remote communities.
“Sport brings people together, promotes health and wellbeing and celebrates culture.
"These facilities will not only benefit Maningrida but other West Arnhem communities as well.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“These changerooms are about more than just sport, it’s about bringing people together and providing high-quality public amenities out-bush.
“These new changerooms are a great example of how we can build and strengthen remote communities through infrastructure projects and through sport.
“It was great to see a local builder Steadmans Construction engaged in this project, driving jobs and economic development in our remote communities.
“I’m also very pleased that the changerooms will allow more women and girls to participate in local sports, some of our best NT players are young women and I am glad they’ll have a space to engage through this investment.”
Quotes attributable to West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor James Woods:
“Facilities like the Maningrida changerooms reflect what our communities deserve. West Arnhem Regional Council remains committed to championing even greater improvements in local infrastructure.
“AFL isn’t just a sport out here; it’s a way of life. It brings us together. It teaches teamwork, discipline, pride and belonging. It connects generations and builds bridges between cultures. Most importantly, it inspires our young people.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to turning this vision into reality – from the builders, community consultants and the Council team to the community leaders and local residents who provided guidance along the way.
“Thank you for investing in our community and for recognising the true value and importance of long-term investment in sporting infrastructure in remote communities.”