Game on: Events old and new receive government funding for 2024
The Territory government has announced the more than 30 events that have received a funding boost in the first round of the Event Funding Program for 2024.
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Thirty one events have received funding in the latest round of the NT Government’s Event Funding Program (EFP) including old favourites, as well as new and exciting spectacles for Territorians to enjoy.
Of the 31 events to receive funding, eight are Aboriginal cultural events, seven are sporting events and the final 16 are cultural events.
Darwin and surrounds will be home to the majority of the funded festivals with 18, with six taking place in Central Australia and one each for Katherine, Arnhem Land, Roper Gulf Region and the Tiwi Islands.
The final three are Territory-wide events which are set to benefit locals and businesses from all regions.
Major Events Minister Brent Potter said the funding and events was a boon for Territorians, communities and industries.
“The Territory Labor Government continues to invest millions into events because they bring our community together, support small businesses and create local jobs,” he said
“The Event Funding Program helps build a year-round calendar of events that improve the liveability of the Territory, while also bolstering industries such as tourism and hospitality through visitation.
“Territorians and visitors can look forward to a packed year of events that will excite and entertain those young and old.
“The successful recipients represent a diverse range of interests with an event on the calendar to suit everyone’s tastes.”
One of the new events locked in for the year will be the internationally broadcast Tekken 8: Australia v Philippines Invitational at The Array in Darwin.
The Array CEO Dylan Bennett said the event will bigger than just the competition.
“The Tekken 8 Exhibition is more than a game; it’s a celebration of cultural unity, technological innovation, and the boundless spirit of competition,” he said.
“We’re proud to bring this landmark event to Darwin, showcasing the Northern Territory as a burgeoning hub for E-sports and digital creativity.
“Beyond the excitement and competition, this event serves as a platform for educational and upskilling opportunities.
“It’s an invitation to the youth and creative enthusiasts to engage with technology and digital arts, opening doors to future careers in these dynamic fields.”
Another of the first time events is a comedy festival set to take place at the new Katherine Amphitheatre.
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre CEO Eric Holowacz said the inaugural event was a fitting opening for the venue.
“Later this year we will present a new annual event, The Dry Comedy Festival, and activate our new amphitheatre with some of Australia and the Territory’s most beloved comedians,” he said.
“As we build Australia’s newest amphitheatre in Katherine, we are very excited to have the support of the NT Major Events Company.
“It will allow our organisation to develop a major new annual comedy festival for our community and visitors, and activate our new outdoor stage with laughter.”
Round 2 of the EFP will open Friday 9 February with more information available at ntmajorevents.com.au
The 31 funded events from this round are:
Blokes Big Day Out
Bush Bands Program
City2Surf
Darwin Fringe Festival
Darwin International Film Festival
Darwin Pride
Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival
Desert Mob
Desert Song Festival
fabALICE Festival
Flickerfest NT Tour
Freds Pass Rural Show
Henley-on-Todd Regatta
Hockey Australia U/18 Championships
Masters Swimming Australian National Championships
Northern Territory PGA
NT State DTL 4-Day Championships
NT Writers Festival
Numburindi Festival
Stone Country Festival
Tekken 8 Philippines V Australia Invitational
Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAAs)
Thailand Grand Festival
The Dry Comedy Festival
Top End Gin Festival
Top End Gran Fondo
Twenty to the Mile Film Screening
Uluru Festival
Wide Open Space Festival
World Table Tennis Youth Contender
Yirriwinari Festival
The bullet point summary was created with the assistance of AI technology (PaLM2) then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
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