6 August 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to lead with action, delivering certainty and opportunity for Territorians with disability through the launch of a dedicated Para Sport Unit under the Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA).
Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls, was joined in Darwin today by Paralympics Australia Head of Performance Strategy Elise Rechichi, AIS Para Uplift Project Lead and four-time Paralympian Mitch Gourley, and local athletes and coaches to officially launch the program.
"We're proud to back a program that opens doors for Territory athletes living with disability," said Mr Charls.
"The NTSA Para Sport Unit will help identify and support local talent, no matter where they live or how they start their journey.
"It's an investment in inclusion, in potential, and in the Territory's contribution to Australia's Paralympic future."
The new unit will play a critical role in removing barriers for athletes with disability, boosting para-sport participation, and providing clear and inclusive pathways from community-level involvement to elite competition.
Paris 2024 Paralympian Telaya Blacksmith (Athletics) is among those to have launched their sporting careers in the Territory. Former Paralympians Judith O'Hearn (Swimming) and Hamish MacDonald (Shot put) - both members of the NT Hall of Champions - also began their journeys here, showcasing the depth of the talent in the Territory when given the chance to shine.
The NTSA Para Sport Unit becomes the sixth of its kind in the country, joining Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia as part of the Para uplift, funded by the Australian Government's historic investment in para-sport.
Three new specialist positions will drive this work:
Para Program ManagerPathways Development CoachPhysical Development Officer
These roles will support Para-athletes of all ages and backgrounds, from grassroots to elite pathways, and from across the NTs urban, regional and remote communities.
The program is supported by $754,500 in funding from AIS over two years and further investment from Paralympics Australia.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government, through NTSA, is contributing in-kind support including facility access, service coordination and integration with existing high-performance programs to embed the new Unit in the Territory's sporting landscape.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells
"The Albanese Government is proud to continue our commitment to ensuring more Australians with a disability can pursue their sporting dreams.
"The launch of the Northern Territory Para Sport Unit continues our record investment in Paralympic sport and as the sixth facility to open, we are fast moving towards a world-leading national network of support for our Para-athletes."
Quotes attributable to Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements
"The Para Uplift is a game changer for sport in this country. Not only is it creating an environment of equal opportunity for all athletes, but through the power of sport we are reshaping how all Australians look at disability.
"None of this would be possible without the support of the Australian Government and Minister Wells, whose belief in high performance sport's vision to Win Well will allow our current and future Paralympians to reach their full potential and help us achieve our goal of making Brisbane our most successful ever Games."
Quotes attributable to Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray
"The Northern Territory has a proud Paralympic history, dating back to the late Mark Davies, a five-time Paralympian in athletics and, in 1984, the winner of two gold medals. That tradition has grown and our Northern Territory-born athletes at Paris 2024 included rowing gold medallist Nikki Ayers, cycling gold medallist Darren Hicks, wheelchair rugby bronze medallist Shae Graham, swimmer Lewis Bishop, six-time Para-cycling medallist Alistair Donohoe and wheelchair basketball player Tom O'Neill-Thorne.
"Now, we move into a new era where current and possibly future Paralympians will have a dedicated and well-resourced Para-sport hub that provides them the resources they need to achieve their potential.
"Paralympics Australia is proud to work with the Federal and Territory Governments and we thank both governments for their generous contributions and for truly grasping the value of a strong Para-sport system here and right around the country."
