Kurrung countdown is on

Final training sessions are underway across West Arnhem as communities count down to the 2026 Kurrung Sports Carnival, kicking off in Jabiru on Friday, 28 August.

Proudly hosted by West Arnhem Regional Council, the Kurrung Sports Carnival is one of the region’s biggest events of the year, bringing communities together through sport and fostering connection, pride and a strong sense of belonging.

Around 200 athletes are expected to travel to Jabiru, forming men’s and women’s AFL and basketball teams representing Minjilang, Maningrida, Gunbalanya, Warruwi and Kakadu.

With plenty of local talent on display and communities getting behind their teams, the two-day carnival promises strong competition and an incredible community atmosphere.

Adding to the excitement, the much-loved Mahbilil Festival will also take place over the same weekend. Together, Kurrung and Mahbilil will create an action-packed celebration showcasing the very best of sport, culture, music and community across Kakadu and West Arnhem Land.

The sporting action officially begins on Friday, 28 August at the Jabiru Sports Courts, with the Kurrung opening ceremony followed by the women’s and men’s basketball competitions and grand finals.

On Saturday, 29 August, attention turns to Brockman Oval for the hotly contested men’s AFL competition, which will run throughout the day.

A special women’s AFL showcase match will also be played, highlighting the growing interest and participation of women in competitive football across the region.

Long-time Kurrung partner NO MORE will once again have a strong presence throughout the carnival, promoting the values of respect, fair play and camaraderie on and off the field. The NO MORE team will also present the Spirit of Kurrung Cup to the community that best demonstrates these values throughout the carnival.

There will also be a range of interactive stalls throughout the event, giving participants and spectators the opportunity to connect with organisations and stallholders onsite.

Following the Kurrung presentations on Saturday, participants, families and spectators are encouraged to continue the celebrations at the Mahbilil Festival at Marrawuddi Gallery.

The Kurrung Sports Carnival is made possible through strong partnerships between Council, communities, regional organisations, businesses and volunteers.

West Arnhem Regional Council sincerely thanks everyone involved in bringing the 2026 carnival together, particularly the participating communities and teams, Council staff, volunteers, event partners and sponsors.

Council proudly acknowledges the generous support of this year’s sponsors:

NIAA, Northern Territory Government, NT Health, Ranger Rehabilitation Project, Stedman’s Constructions and Engineering, C&R Constructions, Kaddum Industries, ALPA, Kakadu Lodge, Red Lily Health Board, AJ Couriers, Caulfield Grammar School, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru Service Station, Gunbalanya Meats, Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, Northern Land Council and Jabiru Property Services.

Council also acknowledges our community sponsors:

Gunbalanya Sports & Social Club, Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation – Stronger Communities for Children, ALPA RAES, DEMED, Injalak Arts, Malala Health, WTD Constructions, ALPA Minjilang and Jabiru Bombers Football Club.

With communities preparing to bring their best to Jabiru, the countdown is well and truly on for another memorable Kurrung Sports Carnival.