Gunner in Alice to meet with groups, tour vaccine hub and spruik TV series

Chief Minister Michael Gunner is in Alice Springs this morning to discuss the progress of the MaveriX series.

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has hit out at people who attack cops calling them a ‘disgrace’.

It’s comes after the NT News revealed the number of assaults on police had doubled in Palmerston.

“These are the people that put themselves out there every day on the frontline, to protect Territorians to keep them safe,” Mr Gunner said.

“So it is completely unacceptable to assault a police officer, we have got some pretty firm penalties in place when it comes to assaults on police.”

Mr Gunner who is in Alice Springs also encouraged people to get vaccinated.

The message is off the back of Alice Springs now allowing people from the age of 16 and over to get a Covid-19 jab.

“I encourage everyone out there to get a vaccine, it’s really important. We’ve got to make sure you’re protected and your family is protected,” he said.

He said he wouldn’t rule out creating an incentive scheme to encourage people to get the jab.

“I wouldn’t rule out an incentive scheme but having said that we shouldn’t rule out anyone who has already got vaccinated,” he said.

While in Alice Springs Mr Gunner has spruiked the MaveriX TV show and will also meet with the Chamber of Commerce, attended a Yoret Night Patrol and will attend a meeting discussing the National Aboriginal Art Gallery.

Alice Springs businesses and the local economy are reaping the benefits of the largest screen production to ever be produced in the Territory, MaveriX, with production well underway.

It is expected to inject $5 million into the local economy and create approximately 400 local jobs.

Local Alice Springs store Jetcor has been flat out supplying bikes, costumes, set additions

and tracking vehicles.

MORE TOP NEWS

Data shows Darwin travel numbers set to surpass pre-pandemic levels

Assaults on police double in Palmo but it’s still not the most dangerous place to be a Territory cop

No Vacancy: Hotel accommodation booked out ahead of AFL blockbuster in Alice Springs

GAP’s Kitchen is the official set caterer and have even had to purchase a mobile preparation

van to service MaveriX, which they are excited to use for future productions in the region.

The cast and crew have booked out multiple accommodation spots including the Big 4

Caravan Park, Mount Nancy Apartments, Quest Apartments and Alice on Todd, while local car hire providers have seen a big rise in bookings, with Thrifty completely booked out

for months.

The Territory Government have invested a record $1.5 million into MaveriX, a 10 part TV series which follows six junior motocross riders selected for the first intake of the MaveriX Academy in Alice Springs.

This equity investment also enables the Territory Government to share in net profits of the finished screen production.

Filming commenced in April 2021 and is scheduled to run over the next couple of months in and around Alice Springs.

Alice Springs show to be shown on Netflix

Chief Minister Michael Gunner was in town on Tuesday to discuss the progress of the series.

“We know that an investment into the Territory screen industry is an investment for Territory jobs, Territory businesses and an important industry that shapes perceptions of the Territory to the rest of the world.

“This is also priceless publicity from a tourism perspective, giving the Territory huge exposure across our screens nationally and internationally.

“Our Government’s $9 million strategic investment over four years has seen significant growth of our screen sector and we have plenty more exciting productions on the horizon.”

Minister Industry Nicole Manison said the government was investing more than $3 million over the next financial year (2021-22) to support the Territory screen industry.

“MaveriX is a local success story – the production showcases true Territory talent and shares the wonders of the Red Centre with the rest of the world.

ABC Children’s Head Libbie Doherty said the extraordinary landscapes, people and stories on show in the Northern Territory were the perfect backdrop to this action-packed new ABC ME series.

“Set in the dynamic world of motocross, MaveriX follows a group of junior competitors who spend their summer holidays in the challenging, yet beautiful, environments of Central Australia. It promises to be a wild ride for young viewers.”

Follow @jasmineaburke