The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering a major boost to Territory sport by securing the long-term future of Hockey NT and the Marrara Hockey Centre.
The funding includes an immediate $500,000 investment to address urgent safety, compliance, and operational infrastructure risks.
The CLP Government has also backed a three-year $450,000 commitment to support Hockey NT in the Malaysian Hockey League pathway.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is securing the future of hockey in the Northern Territory, announcing targeted investment and strategic support for Hockey NT and the Marrara Hockey Centre.
Recent assessments of the Marrara Hockey Centre identified critical infrastructure and operational challenges facing the venue, including safety, compliance, and asset renewal issues. In response, the CLP Government has committed to a series of strategic priorities aimed at delivering sustainable hockey infrastructure and strong participation pathways.
Key funding commitments:
$500,000 Urgent Infrastructure Boost (2026-27): Immediate funding to address critical safety, compliance, and operational risks at the Marrara Hockey Centre.
$450,000 International Pathway Commitment: A proposed three-year funding agreement of $150,000 per annum (2026-27 to 2028-29) to support the Malaysian Hockey League pathway and international engagement initiatives.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls emphasised the government’s dedication to securing the sport’s long-term future in the region:
“Hockey NT has played a vital role in our sporting precinct for decades, and the Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of hockey in the Territory.
“This investment supports immediate safety and operational priorities while ensuring that Marrara is positioned as a key high-performance hub leading into Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” Minister Charls said.
Hockey NT CEO Jason Butcher shared:
“This investment supports the home of hockey at Marrara and the Territory Stingers pathway, two areas that are central to the future of our sport. Marrara gives our clubs, athletes and community a place to grow, while the Stingers create opportunities for Territory players to compete beyond the Territory and build stronger sporting relationships across Asia and the Pacific.
“Together, this support strengthens pathways for local athletes, brings more events and visitors to Darwin, and demonstrates the broader role sport can play in the future of the Northern Territory.”
The Northern Territory Government is committed to working closely with Hockey NT to secure a sustainable future for hockey across the Territory.
