MEDIA RELEASE - New Maningrida Changerooms a Game Changer for Local AFL and Community
The Maningrida community is celebrating a major sporting milestone with the official opening of the new Maningrida changerooms facility, a $4.6 million project delivered by West Arnhem Regional Council.
The opening took place on Friday, 14 November, with around 300 community members and special guests in attendance, including the Hon Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari; the Hon Jinson Charls MLA, Minister for People, Sport and Culture; and the Hon Manuel Brown MLA, Member for Arafura, alongside other representatives and community leaders.
Funded through the Commonwealth Government’s Aboriginals Benefit Account and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the 600-square-metre facility marks a significant investment in the future of AFL participation and community wellbeing in Maningrida.
Initiated in 2019, the project has been more than six years in the making – from early planning and community consultation through to completion in 2025.
West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor James Woods said the delivery of the facility represents a symbolic step forward for sport and opportunity in Maningrida.
“AFL isn’t just a sport out here; it’s a way of life. It brings us together. It teaches teamwork, discipline, pride and belonging. It connects generations and builds bridges between cultures. Most importantly, it inspires our young people,” Mayor Woods said.
The project has supported local employment and ensured the facility reflects community pride and ownership.
“Facilities like the Maningrida changerooms reflect what our communities deserve. West Arnhem Regional Council remains committed to championing even greater improvements in local infrastructure,” Mayor Woods said.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to turning this vision into reality – from the builders, community consultants and the Council team to the community leaders and local residents who provided guidance along the way.”
Mayor Woods said the project demonstrates what is possible when governments, councils and communities work in genuine partnership.
“Thank you for investing in our community and for recognising the true value and importance of long-term investment in sporting infrastructure in remote communities.”
The Maningrida changerooms facility will serve as a key hub for sport and community life for many years to come, with the 2025/26 AFL season set to kick off soon.
The change rooms opening coincided with the Maningrida Footy Festival – hosted by the Sydney Swans Football Team and local health organisations, encouraging the community to ‘Kick the Habit’ as part of the Australian Government’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking program.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“These changerooms are about more than just sport – it’s about bringing people together and providing high-quality public amenities out-bush.
These new changerooms are a great example of how we can build and strengthen remote communities through infrastructure projects and through sport. It was great to see a local builder Stedmans Construction engaged in this project, driving jobs and economic development in our remote communities.
I’m also very pleased that the changerooms will allow more women and girls to participate in local sports – some of our best NT players are young women and I am glad they’ll have a space to engage through this investment.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls MLA:
“It was a privilege to be in Maningrida for the opening of the new oval changerooms, a real asset for Maningrida for many years to come.”
“This facility will strengthen local sport, create more opportunities for young people, and support events like the Maningrida Football Festival.
“The CLP Government is committed to ensuring regional communities have the facilities they need to stay active and connected. Through programs like the Active Regional and Remote Communities Program, we’re backing locally led sport that brings families together and supports healthier, stronger communities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“These new changerooms in Maningrida are a wonderful example of how targeted investment can strengthen remote First Nations communities and support local aspirations.
“The Albanese Labor Government recognises the important role that sporting facilities play in communities, especially remote communities.
“Sport brings people together, promotes health and wellbeing and celebrates culture.
“These facilities will not only benefit Maningrida but other West Arnhem communities as well.”
ENDS
Photo caption: West Arnhem Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Katharine Murray, Member for Arafura Manuel Brown MP, Council Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Phillips, NIAA Regional Manager, Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt Gerrit Wanaganeen, Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP, Council Mayor James Woods and Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls.