Communities unite at Kurrung 2024

The 2024 Kurrung Sports Carnival swept over Jabiru on August 30 and 31, showcasing an impressive display of football and basketball. Hosted by West Arnhem Regional Council, the event brought together men’s and women’s sports teams from Jabiru, Minjilang, Maningrida, Warruwi, Gunbalanya, and even Katherine. 
Through Kurrung, the Council continues its commitment to strengthening Communities across the West Arnhem region. This year's program was bigger than ever, featuring men’s and women’s basketball, as well as men’s AFL.
West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor James Woods acknowledged the significance of the Kurrung Sports Carnival for the region, expressing his gratitude to Council staff and Community stakeholders for their hard work in delivering a remarkable event.
"Sport is a powerful way to unite people for a common purpose. Through sport, we feel pride, unity, and mateship. All Communities should be proud of their efforts over the weekend, and I want to thank everyone who helped make it happen," he said.
The carnival also fosters strong partnerships with regional stakeholders, and the Council extends its thanks to the organisations that played a key role in making this year’s event a success.
This included TEABBA radio which broadcasted live from event venues, Red Lily Health and AMSANT and the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Team, Richmond Institute and Caulfield Grammar for volunteering and the valuable sponsors and supporters of the carnival. 
Long-time and valuable partner, the NO MORE Campaign had a strong presence through the carnival, supporting and promoting positive fair play, respect and camaraderie on and off the field.
The NO MORE team awarded the ‘Spirit of Kurrung’ cup to the Community which displayed the important values of sportsmanship, respect, inclusion and fair play throughout the carnival.
The proud Community which received this award was the Garrak Bombers from Katherine.
There were also 8 special ‘Spirit of the Game’ medallions handed out, with team captains choosing the recipients from their team.
Organisers also wish to thank the Katherine men’s AFL team for their cultural dance performance which was a wonderful way to conclude the 2024 event.

Results

In the results, there was a lot of close competition which demonstrates the level of talent in the region.
The men’s basketball saw Jabiru and Gunbalanya fight it out under the basketball lights and incredibly the game finished with a 1-point difference, with Jabiru narrowly taking the win. It was an incredibly tense game with both teams representing their Communities with pride.  
In the women’s basketball, it was a battle between Jabiru and Warruwi, with Gunbalanya just missing out in the semi finals round. Warruwi was determined to get their eighth gold trophy at Kurrung and managed to do so, defeating Jabiru 26-5. 
In the men’s AFL, it was the home team of Jabiru versing the away team of Katherine in the Grand Final after a huge day of great football by all participating Communities.  In the end, Jabiru had the home ground advantage, and they took the win 29-7.

Men’s Basketball Winners: Jabiru (11)

Men’s Basketball Runners Up: Gunbalanya (10)

Men’s Basketball MVP: Shane Gameraidj (Gunbalanya)

Women’s Basketball Winners: Warruwi (26)

Women’s Basketball Runners up: Jabiru (5)

Women’s Basketball MVP:  Pun Pun Wees (Warruwi)

Men’s AFL Winners: Jabiru Bombers (29)

Men’s AFL Runners Up: Garrak Bombers (7)

Men’s AFL MVP: Jaylen Marshall (Jabiru)

‘Spirit of Kurrung’ Cup: Garrak  Bombers, Katherine

West Arnhem Regional Council wishes to thank everyone involved in the event including participants, Council staff and the volunteers. Thank you also to the sponsors:

Northern Territory Government, ERA, NIAA, Red Lily Health, Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation, Stedman’s Constructions, Mala’a Health, Gunbalanya Sports and Social Club, No More campaign, TEABBA, Team Health, AMSANT, AFL NT, Basketball NT, Kakadu Lodge, Richmond Institute, Cooinda, Sodexo, Blueridge Engineering, Jabiru Service Station, OzHarvest, ALPA, Kakadu National Park, Caulfield Grammar, Jabiru Area School.