The Gapuwiyak community can now enjoy night games with the completion of lighting upgrades at the sports oval.
The Territory Labor Governments Community Cabinet is meeting in East Arnhem this week, and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss will officially turn on the oval lights at Gapuwiyak tonight.
The Territory Labor Government is creating jobs for locals by investing $10 million over two years to upgrade sporting infrastructure in remote communities throughout the NT, which includes $2.8 million for East Arnhem.
The region is benefitting from a suite of upgrades, including oval lights and a new roof over the basketball courts at both Gapuwiyak and Millingimbi/Yirrwi.
The government is working in partnership with regional councils to ensure funding supports community priorities and delivers improved sporting infrastructure.
Local contractor NT Electrical was awarded the contract to supply and install the Gapuwiyak sports oval lighting system comprising of four light towers and 16 floodlights on each tower at 100 lux lighting level.
NT Electrical has also been awarded the lighting contracts in Millingimbi/Yirrwi.
The Territory Government will provide additional funding in 2019/20 for irrigation works at the Gapuwiyak oval.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
We continue to invest in the Territorys community assets because we know they build vibrant communities, boost the economy and create local jobs.
We are working with regional councils to ensure this funding supports their key priorities and is aligned with community expectations.
It is wonderful to join the Gapuwiyak community to officially switch the oval lights on tonight. Upgrading the oval lights provides more opportunities for sporting activities and other community events.
As noted by Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo:
We want to see more Territorians in remote communities participate in sport to improve health and well-being outcomes, and well maintained sporting facilities including ovals with good amenities will promote participation.
Upgrading the Gapuwiyak lights will contribute to positive outcomes for families and community members health and wellbeing, not only in Gapuwiyak but in the wider region.
As noted by East Arnhem Regional Council President, Kaye Thurlow:
On behalf of the East Arnhem Regional Council and the residents of Gapuwiyak, I thank the Northern Territory Government for supporting these important local projects.
In remote communities, participating in sport is a way of life. The funding from the Territory Government provides support to our continued work towards building strong and safe communities, and furthering the wellbeing of people and culture by providing suitable infrastructure to support our community based programs.
The oval can now be utilised at night not only for sports but an extended social and civic events calendar which will be of great benefit to the community as a whole within Gapuwiyak.
