NTG back remote Active Regional and Remote Communities Program in 2025-26 budget

The Active Regional and Remote Communities Program, which received $4.4m in the 2025-26 NT Government Budget, has played a key role in engaging remote communities in sport.

Group of Touch Rugby participants on the Tiwi Islands.

The Active Regional and Remote Communities Program, that’s recently received $4.4m in the NT government budget, has played a key role in engaging remote communities in sport.

The ARRCP supports locally led sport, recreation and cultural activities to help children, young people and families lead healthy, active lives.

It also helps grow the regional workforce with five full-time and 57 part-time staff employed across the Territory to deliver programs.

Among the regions the program delves into is the Tiwi Islands, Barkly and West Daly.

Programs are guided by local consultation, with councils and providers submitting annual activity plans to ensure each community’s needs and interests are reflected.

More than 1100 children and young people have participated in weekly games, fitness sessions and cultural programs on the Tiwi Islands this year.

Tiwi organisation Jipungwayi, alongside Touch Football NT, Hockey NT and Dream Impact Inspire deliver the program.

Young people taking part in one of the activities facilitated by Jipungwayi

Jipungwayi director Michael Coombes said the program was making a positive impact and huge difference in the community.

“It’s great to see so many young people taking part and older community members joining in too,” he said.

“We’re proud to run programs that reflect our community and culture and support our people to stay active and strong.”

In Barkly and West Daly programs are being delivered in partnership with Territory-wide providers such as Basketball NT, Gymnastics NT, Royal Life Saving NT and Build Up Skateboarding.

The program also includes funding to support sport and cultural activities at five remote schools outside of council jurisdictions, including the Alice Springs and Katherine Schools of the Air, Dundee Beach, Woolaning School and Yulara Primary School.

The NT Government committed to supporting the program into the future by allotting $4.4m at the recent budget.

People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls said the program is helping build safer, stronger communities across the Territory.

“Sport and cultural activities are powerful tools to bring people together and help communities thrive,” he said.

“When kids and families are supported to be active, they build confidence, connection and lifelong skills.

“This program is restoring our lifestyle in the regions by backing local workers, boosting school engagement, and building stronger communities from the ground up.”

Originally published as NTG back remote Active Regional and Remote Communities Program in 2025-26 budget