TheTerritory Labor Governments 2019 Arafura Games was a success; with an eventevaluation report showing the Games generated over $7 million directly into theeconomy and an additional flow on contribution to the economy of $6.5 million benefiting Territorians, supporting jobs and local businesses.
Overninety per cent of people surveyed agreed that the Territory Labor Governmentshould continue to invest in events like the Arafura Games.
Theanalysis was undertaken by IER, a business consultancy specialising inresearch, strategy, economic and social impacts for major events.
TheArafura Games were axed by the former CLP Government in 2012, with Laborpromising to bring them back and doing just that in April this year.
Overall,there were 7,362 non-Darwin residents who attended or competed in the Games,with the majority of travellers (6,215) coming to Darwin specifically toattend.
Businessesin the Territory (89.7 per cent) believe that the Games providedpositive social and community benefits for locals, with over half thebusinesses surveyed saying they noticed an increase in customers coming throughtheir doors.
The outcomes ofthis research shows how investment into the Games has paid off, with strongnumbers in visitation, which brought more money into the Territory economy andsupported local businesses and local jobs.
With 1,762athletes from 46 countries taking part in 15 sports, the Arafura Games has alsoprovided a stepping-stone for athletes attempting to boost their performanceand international rankings in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics andParalympics and cemented its position in the international sporting calendar.
The TerritoryLabor Government invested $7.2 million into the 2019 Arafura Games and willbring them back in 2021 (May 14-22).
For moreinformation on the event evaluation report go to the publications section of theArafura Games website
Quotesfrom the Minister for the Arafura Games, Natasha Fyles:
TheTerritory Labor Government realised early on the economic and social benefitsthat these Games would bring to our community this is why we promised tobring them back after they were killed off by the CLP in 2012.
Ourcafes were full, accommodation bursting and the city bustling – and now theeconomic impact study confirms the significant social and economic return tothe Northern Territory.
Wewill bring back the Arafura Games in 2021. The CLP would scrap them again delivering a blow to the community and local businesses that back the Games.”
Quotesfrom Waterfront Restaurant Owner David Robinson:
We support anything that brings more people to Darwin and theArafura Games did just that.
We had a spike in trade during the Games period and it was such abuzz down at the waterfront.
What a great event to have on our doorstep.
