Darwin Buffaloes to call Woodroffe Oval home

One of Darwin’s oldest football clubs finally has a home following a $2.8m government investment into the redevelopment of a Palmerston oval. Read what will go into the development.

The Darwin Buffaloes have a proud 107-year history in the NTFL, but after all that time will finally have a place to call home with a planned redevelopment of Woodroffe Oval.

The club has almost 450 members and has 23 men’s premierships, however currently does the club not have a club house or a permanent training facility to call its own.

Woodroffe Oval is also home to the Palmerston Cricket Club and its 200 members, who are also set to benefit from the upgrades to the facilities.

The redevelopment includes resurfacing and expanding the playing surface, installing new fences around the field and installing 200 lux lighting.

The clubhouse will also be upgraded with fixes to the kitchen and kiosk facilities, the implementation of a multipurpose social room and four new change rooms for players and umpires.

Sport Minister Kate Worden said the upgrades to the facilities at the oval would benefit both the Darwin Buffaloes and the Palmerston Cricket Club.

Darwin Buffaloes during the 2023-24 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The Territory Labor government has a track record of improving sporting facilities like Woodroffe Oval,” she said.

“Thousands of Territory footy players and cricketers will get to play at the upgraded Woodroffe Oval and see the benefit of this investment.”

The AFLNT welcomed the significant investment saying the commitment would both deliver the home for the Double Blues and more support for the sport in Palmerston.

Palmerston boasts more than 35,000 residents, and substantial participation numbers, and has been an ongoing priority of the AFLNT.

In addition to the investment from the Northern Territory government, AFLNT has also committed $250k to the project.

Head of AFL Northern Territory, Sam Gibson said the project was incredibly important given a 60 per cent participation growth in the sport since 2021.

“We welcome this budget commitment and thank the NT government for supporting what is a very exciting project,” he said.

“We know how important sporting clubs are to the fabric of communities, the addition of the Darwin Buffaloes to Palmerston is not only a massive step for the club, but also a great thing for Palmerston.

President of the Darwin Buffaloes Football Club, Brenda Atkinson said the club was thrilled with the announcement.

“As a grassroots, volunteer-run organisation this funding secures the long-term sustainability for future generations we’re excited for what the future holds,” she said.