Territory Day fireworks, cracker night to be relocated from Mindil Beach after 20 years
After 20 years of lighting up the sky at Mindil Beach, the Territory Day fireworks celebrations will change locations – with the reasons behind the move nothing short of conflicting.
Northern Territory
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After 20 years of lighting up the sky at Mindil Beach, the Territory Day fireworks celebrations will move locations this year – but the official reason behind the move remains unclear.
The Territory government and Northern Territory Major Events have confirmed there will be a switch in Darwin, however the reasons provided have been nothing short of conflicting.
Major Events Minister Brent Potter is expected to make an announcement around the July 1 Territory Day self-governance celebrations on June 11, after the King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday.
In the meantime, Mr Potter told the NT News permit issues meant the event did not comply with Aboriginal Area Protection Authority (AAPA) regulations.
“The Territory Day official celebrations are moving from Mindil Beach due to advice received that a permit would be needed to ensure the event complied with AAPA regulations,” Mr Potter said.
“The late notice of this advice meant it was unrealistic to get a permit in that time frame. We will start work now to ensure that all the right permits are in order for next year.
“The change of venue does provide the opportunity to work with CBD traders and venues to deliver the biggest boost possible to local businesses, while also creating an enhanced experience for spectators.”
While there has been no confirmation of the new Darwin home for the annual Territory Day fireworks display, it is widely expected to take place at the Waterfront.
However, an AAPA spokeswoman said the choice of location was a matter for Major Events, which is organising the 2024 Territory Day celebrations.
“Any decisions regarding event planning and location are a matter for the organiser,” she said. “The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority has not provided any advice recommending Territory Day celebrations be moved from Mindil Beach.”
Similarly, a Major Events spokeswoman avoided any reference to a rift with AAPA.
Major Events attributed the move to expanding the event’s program and new partnership opportunities.
“The reason for the move was to enhance the event experience and the opportunity to work in partnership with some major corporations,” a spokeswoman said.
“This collaboration will enable us to offer a bigger and more inclusive program this year, providing more opportunities for local businesses to participate.
“We are not just moving the Darwin festivities, we will have a new location for Alice Springs as well. We will announce the new venues soon.”
The NT News can also reveal cracker night in Alice Springs will relocate from Blatherskite Park this year to another undisclosed venue.
Last year, Territorians had 228 tonnes of fireworks that they could purchase to set-off their own cracker displays.
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Originally published as Territory Day fireworks, cracker night to be relocated from Mindil Beach after 20 years
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