Safe Saturday nights: LAUNCH Night Series provides fun and support for Darwin youth

A late-night sports and wellbeing program is giving Darwin teens a safe space to connect and thrive.

Darwin’s young people are finding a safe and supportive community on Saturday nights through the LAUNCH Night Series, a free late-night sports program that blends competition with connection.

With only two sessions left in this term’s program, organisers are celebrating its success in fostering engagement and wellbeing among participants aged 12-17.

Held at the Corrugated Iron Performance Space in Nightcliff, the initiative offers a mix of sports, cooking workshops, and mentoring opportunities.

The program is delivered by Pathfinders NT and IBC Community Services, with support from the City of Darwin and the NT Government’s Targeted Darwin Youth Activities Grant.

Darwin youth enjoy sports and social activities in a safe, supportive environment. Picture: Jessy Hall / Supplied.

Lisa Burnett, LAUNCH Youth Coordinator, said the program evolved from the national Midnight Basketball initiative, adapting to better suit Darwin’s needs.

“When Midnight Basketball folded, we had a really strong group of volunteers who wanted to keep it going, so we worked with them to redesign the program,” Ms Burnett said.

Changes included adding cooking workshops where participants prepare their own meals, broadening the range of sports, and introducing a wellbeing-focused workshop component.

The program also moves between venues to engage different parts of the community.

Long-time volunteer Olivia Ellis, who now works as a night manager for the series, said the most rewarding aspect was seeing young people grow in confidence.

“Seeing young people take on coaching roles or teaching new kids the ropes of the program has just been amazing,” she said.

“I’m always very proud of them.

“Just last week, the final group plated up 50 dinners like a professional kitchen crew.”

Jessy Hall, LAUNCH Program Coordinator and Managing Director of Pathfinders NT with Long-time volunteer Olivia Ellis at the LAUNCH Night Series. Picture: Jessy Hall / Supplied.

For many participants, LAUNCH Night Series is a rare opportunity to socialise in a structured, positive environment.

Program coordinator and managing director of Pathfinders NT Jessy Hall highlighted its impact on young people who aren’t engaged in traditional sports or social clubs.

“There are very few after-hours programs for this age group, particularly for young people who aren’t registered in social or sporting clubs, which many of our participants aren’t,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s unique because it brings together young people from all backgrounds and areas of Darwin, coupled with the experiences of the staff and volunteers creating a truly inclusive space.”

LAUNCH Night Series participants power up their own smoothies with the fun and interactive smoothie bike! Picture: Jessy Hall / Supplied.

Elley May, 12, who has been attending LAUNCH for two years, shared her enthusiasm.

“My favourite part has been playing dodgeball and volleyball,” she said.

When asked what she would be doing on a Saturday night without the program, Elley-May said, “I’d probably just watch TV”.

She encouraged others to give it a try, saying, “You should come because it’s fun and you get to meet other people and have friends.”

Elley-May, a vibrant LAUNCH participant, embraces the opportunities for growth and community connection. Picture: Jessy Hall / Supplied.

As this term’s program wraps up, organisers are reflecting on its ongoing importance and the continued need for community support.

Businesses, volunteers, and venue providers have played a crucial role in its success, with transport services provided by IBC Social Enterprise ensuring accessibility for all participants.

With the next round of LAUNCH Night Series set to return later this year, the program’s legacy remains clear — offering a safe, engaging, and positive alternative for Darwin’s youth on Saturday nights.

Originally published as Safe Saturday nights: LAUNCH Night Series provides fun and support for Darwin youth