The Barkly Regional Deal is kicking goals – quite literally.
Sports officers from the Barkly Sports Hub, an initiative under the Barkly Regional Deal, are out on the ground developing relationships that are bringing the focus back onto team sports in region.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino said as part of Indigenous Football Week celebrating the power of football to create pathways, John Moriarty Football is hosting a special Community Gala Day in Tennant Creek on Saturday 14 November.
“The Gala Day will feature a round-robin friendly football tournament between select teams from JMF Tennant Creek, Alice Springs based Stormbirds FC, and Mr Moriarty’s home town, JMF Borroloola,” Ms Marino said.
“By empowering community through the Barkly Regional Deal, we are able to clear some space for relationships to develop and improve the liveability of the region. This event is an excellent example of how pathways can be forged.”
NT Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo extended her best wishes to all players and footy fans.
“There is always strong support for football in the Barkly region and I know the Tennant Creek community will warmly welcome visitors from Alice Springs and Borroloola for tomorrow’s event,” Ms Uibo said.
Barkly Regional Council Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin said this is a great example of collaboration in the Barkly.
“By working together we can deliver a stronger community and nurture opportunities for personal and professional growth in Tennant Creek and beyond,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
Co-Founder and Co-Chair of John Moriarty Football John Moriarty said Indigenous Football Week (IFW) brings the community together to support inclusion, cultural recognition and diversity.
“The theme for IFW20 is ‘pathways’ and the focus has been on the pathways John Moriarty Football is creating and how we are changing the game,” Mr Moriarty said.
“Every aspect of our program seeks to build pathways and unlock the potential of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.
“We have been delivering John Moriarty Football in the Tennant Creek region for around 12 months and in that time we’re expanded and also deliver the program to schools in surrounding communities like Mungkarta and Ti Tree and Alekerange.”
