The remote town of Barunga is already reaping the benefits of a multi-million dollar lighting upgrade.
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Installed just in time for the prominent Indigenous sport, music and culture festival, Barunga Festival, the community is on the way to leading a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Roper Gulf Mayor, Judy MacFarlane, said the oval lights are a welcome development which will not only benefit the sporting teams in the region, but a wide range of community events.
"Having proper oval lighting means our local teams can continue to train safely at night, which we hope will encourage more people to take part in sport and recreation activities," she said.
"As a council we want to encourage a strong sports culture because we know it can have so many health and social benefits within our remote communities."
The $1.45 million investment saw upgraded oval lights at the Barunga and Ngukurr community ovals, with $650,000 and $800,000 allocated to each of the respective projects.
The lights were officially switched on at the Barunga Festival earlier in the month by Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo.
She attended the first after-dark football game, as well as many of the other sport games played over the course of the festival.
"It is wonderful to join the residents of Barunga to officially switch the oval lights on tonight and to stay and watch the community's first after-dark footy match," she said at the time.
"Barunga community members have long been lobbying for the installation of lights to provide more opportunity for sporting activities and other community events and I am pleased the Territory Labor Government has been able to deliver this project for them."
The lights will also benefit the 'Light Up the Dark Spot Program', in place to help keep members of the community safe.
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