Alice Springs good news alert: Henley on Todd back for 2024

The organisers of a beloved Red Centre river regatta say the event is back for 2024 – but it will be a touch different. Find out how they brought the Henley on Todd back.

Alice Springs' iconic Henley on Todd Regatta. Picture: Supplied

A Red Centre river regatta – which has been running for more than 60 years – will run again this year, but the 2024 event will be a touch different, organisers say.

In June, news broke that the 2024 Henley on Todd was cancelled, but this week the committee behind the event announced the event was back on, albeit scaled back a bit.

Commodore Lester Hamilton said this year’s will see “a mini Henley on Todd” run on Saturday, August 17.

“Were scaling it back to a degree,” he said.

“We’re hoping to have the three battle boats battle it out to finish the day up, which is a huge spectacle.”

Instead of a five-hour event, Mr Hamilton said the event would most likely be a “three to four hour event” which will still feature the much loved dry river races.

Mr Hamilton said due to the scaled back nature of the event, tickets will be $10, with children under 15 coming in for free.

There will even be a bar there for thirsty punters, Mr Hamilton said, and encouraged everyone to come and enjoy the day.

“It’s all about making it an affordable day that’s fun for the whole family,” he said.

The event experienced difficulties finding the correct funding and event manager, two things Mr Hamilton said the committee had now sorted out.

The funding issue stemmed from the committee missing out on $150,000 from the community benefits grant, which Mr Hamilton said happened due to not filing the paperwork in time.

The Territory government provided $50,000, Mr Hamilton said, with the committee using their own funds to make sure this year’s event goes ahead.

“It’s just going to be so rewarding to be able to deliver this event for the people of Alice Springs,” he said.