The Finocchiaro CLP Government is fulfilling its election commitment to support grassroots sport, investing $2 million to upgrade the aging facilities at Kahlin Oval.
The major funding boost will deliver modern, safe, and inclusive infrastructure, specifically targeting the rapid growth of women’s and junior cricket in Darwin.
Upgrades will feature dedicated female change rooms, improved disability access, structural roof repairs, and enhanced security to safeguard the historic site.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the Territory lifestyle, announcing a significant $2 million investment to completely revitalise Darwin’s historic Kahlin Oval.
The funding – which will be provided to City of Darwin to deliver the project – ensures that the Darwin Cricket Club, which has operated continuously on the site since 1977, has access to high-quality, safe, and modern facilities that reflect the needs of a growing and diverse sporting community.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls, said this investment is a crucial step in modernising local community infrastructure and ensuring everyone can participate.
“Kahlin Oval has a proud and rich history in Darwin, but the current facilities have simply reached the end of their useful life.
“This $2 million investment is about ensuring our sports clubs have the right environments to stay active, engaged, and healthy. We are focused on assisting clubs to upgrade facilities, so they are inclusive for women, accessible for people of all abilities, and safe for the entire community,” said Minister Charls.
Member for Port Darwin Robyn Cahill welcomes the upgrade, reflecting on the generations of local families who have grown up playing and watching sports at the ground.
“Kahlin Oval is part of Darwin’s sporting history – generations of Territorians have played, watched, and gathered here. As the Member for Port Darwin, it’s wonderful to see the facility given the investment it deserves, so families and the next generation of cricketers have a facility they can be proud of for years to come.”
Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said the investment brings both community and strategic benefits.
“NT Cricket welcomes today’s funding announcement for Kahlin Oval, one of Australia’s most picturesque cricket grounds.
“Cricket is playing an increasingly important role in the growth, development and social cohesion of the Northern Territory and we need modern fit-for-purpose facilities to underpin that.
“These upgrades will not only be a game changer for our local cricket community, but for the first time Kahlin Oval will be able to host elite male and female cricket content,” said Mr Dovey.
The current clubhouse is no longer fit-for-purpose and struggles to accommodate the club’s rapid growth, particularly following the highly successful launch of DCC’s first women’s team three years ago. To address these critical needs, the CLP Government’s funding will directly target inclusive facilities, improved accessibility, and structural upgrades.
Darwin Cricket Club President Cameron McNally welcomes the funding sharing:
“This funding is a significant investment in the future of community sport at Kahlin Oval. The pavilion upgrades will improve the experience for players, volunteers, families and visitors, while ensuring the facility can continue to support the growing number of people participating in cricket and other sports.
“As Darwin Cricket Club celebrates its 50th year, this investment will help ensure Kahlin Oval remains a thriving community sporting hub for the next 50 years. On behalf of the Club, I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government, Minister Charls and our local Member, Robyn Cahill, for their support and advocacy in delivering this important project.”
Through this investment, the CLP Government continues to deliver on its promise to support local sporting clubs, enhance community safety, and revitalise the unique Territory lifestyle.
