The Finocchiaro CLP Government is taking action to keep youth engaged and on the right path, with Central Australian families again able to enjoy free use of the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre this summer.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steve Edgington, said that as part of the Territory Government's Summer in Central Australia (SICA) plan, families in the region will be able to enjoy free pool access and healthy snacks across the summer school holiday period.
The Government has provided the Alice Springs Town Council with a one-off $450,000 grant for free access to the town's Aquatic and Leisure Centre over the coming school holidays and all school and public holidays through 2026.
"The Aquatic Centre is one of the hubs of the Council's school holiday program, and I'm sure the Centre will be an even bigger and better source of holiday fun than last year.
"As part of our year of action, certainty and security, the CLP Government is taking action across many areas to prevent crime and keep youth engaged, with measures like free use of the Alice Springs Aquatic Centre," Mr Edgington said.
All three tiers of government are on board to make sure the summer holiday period is one of fun and activity for the younger generation.
"The National Indigenous Australians Agency is onboard from the Australian Government, and with a coordinated approach with the Territory Government and the Town Council, we have been working closely on planning for the summer holidays," Mr Edgington said.
Treasurer and Member for Namatjira, Bill Yan, said the free public pool access was hugely popular last year, with more than 27,000 visits over December and January.
"Parents will still need to supervise their children at the Aquatic Centre, and staff will be on hand to keep rowdy behaviour in check.
"The message to parents is this: it's not just a matter of dropping kids at the pool and hoping for the best. Particularly if your kids are young, you really need to be there keeping an eye on them," Mr Yan said.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Member for Braitling, Joshua Burgoyne, said that along with free access to the pool, there would be plenty to keep kids entertained and engaged at the Aquatic and Leisure Centre over summer, including 3x3 basketball, Waterslide Wednesdays and art and craft sessions as part of the Alice Springs Town Council's free School Holidays Program.
"Our Government knows how important it is to keep our young people engaged over the summer break - that's why our School Attendance Officers and Public Housing Safety Officers will be encouraging kids to head to the pool or connect with the range of school holiday program activities on offer.
"We are ready for these school holidays. Everyone has been working together - across three levels of government, local groups and stakeholders - to ensure Alice Springs has a safe and uneventful summer holiday period," Mr Burgoyne said.
Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Asta Hill said the pool is important to life in the Centre during the hotter months.
"This support from the Northern Territory Government means everyone can step into ASALC this summer without cost being a barrier," Ms Hill said.
"ASALC will be a beautiful place for families to gather this season - a cool, welcoming space with the splash pad, indoor and outdoor pools, and shaded areas where people of all ages can rest, play and connect.
"Free entry to the Adventure Park means even more ways to move, climb, have a game of basketball or beach volleyball, or just enjoy being outdoors together.
"Our facility is run with real care and professionalism, and our ASALC team works hard through our busiest months to maintain a safe, inclusive and enjoyable space for everyone who walks through the doors."
Free entry to the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre is available:
Weekdays: 6am to 7pm
Saturdays: 8am to 7pm
Sundays: 9am to 7pm
The Centre is closed Christmas and Boxing Day, 25-26 December.
