The firstnight-time footy match will be played under lights at Barunga tonight asthousands of visitors converge on the remote community for its celebrated annualmusic, sport and culture festival.
Minister forAboriginal Affairs and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo, will officially flickthe switch to shed light across the playing field this evening.
Thejob-creating project was funded by the Territory Labor Government as part ofits $10 million investment to upgrade sporting infrastructure in remotecommunities.
The RoperGulf Council was allocated $1.85 million to manage the project which alsoincludes new multi-purpose courts at Borroloola and oval lights at Ngukurr.
Katherine-basedbusiness, All Regions Electrical, was awarded the contract to deliver the ovallights at Barunga and Ngukurr which are comprised of four light towers with 16floodlights on each tower to achieve a 100 lux lighting level.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport andCulture, Lauren Moss:
Participationin sport creates healthier, happier, more resilient communities and thats whythe Territory Labor Government has invested millions of dollars in upgradingsporting infrastructure in remote areas across the NT.
The ovalat Barunga can now be used during day and night for football games as well asother sporting activities and events that will contribute to positive outcomesfor everyone in the community.
OurGovernment worked in collaboration with the Roper Gulf Regional Council to ensurethe project was in line with its key priorities and community expectations.
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairsand Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo:
It is wonderful to join the residents of Barunga toofficially switch the oval lights on tonight and to stay and watch thecommunitys first after-dark footy match.
Barunga community members have long been lobbying for theinstallation of lights to provide more opportunity for sporting activities andother community events and I am pleased the Territory Labor Government has beenable to deliver this project for them.
The project has been completed just in time for the iconicBarunga Festival and will bring a new element to an event that attractsthousands of local and interstate visitors each year.
As stated by Roper Gulf Regional Council DeputyMayor, Helen Lee:
The RoperGulf Regional Councils wants to encourage a strong sports and recreationculture with our communities for all the associated health and social benefits.
Thecommunity will now be able to enjoy sports at the oval at night as well as useit for community events like the Barunga Festival this weekend.
