City of Darwin encouraged students and families to leave the car at home and enjoy a fun, active journey to school during the Open Streets event at Karama Primary School recently (Friday, 21 August 2026).
The event transformed the street into a welcoming space where students and families could walk, ride, scoot and play before the school day began.
Students and parents enjoyed a free breakfast, sporting obstacle activities, met Hector the Cat and took part in a range of interactive activities designed to make active travel safe, fun and accessible.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the event demonstrated City of Darwin’s commitment to creating a healthier, more active community.
“Open Streets is a fun and practical way to encourage children and families to build active travel into their daily routine,” Mr Styles said.
“Walking, riding or scooting to school helps children be more physically active while reducing traffic around schools and improving road safety.
“These events bring communities together, encourage healthier school commutes and show families that active travel can be a safe, enjoyable and sustainable choice,” he said.
The initiative supported the City of Darwin’s Movement Strategy 2030, which is committed to delivering education, encouragement and evaluation programs that make it easier for people to choose active travel.
By creating safe and engaging opportunities for students and families to walk, ride and scoot to school, Open Streets encourages healthy habits that can become part of everyday life.
The initiative also supports safer streets, helps reduce car use during school drop-off, improves air quality around schools and creates stronger connections within local communities.
Open Streets helps more children achieve the Australian Government’s recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
By promoting active school travel, City of Darwin is supporting its vision of a safe, liveable and healthy city while helping families lead healthy and active lives.
