The $3.1 million Ali Curung Youth Centre will soon break ground with the appointment of the successful construction contractor.
Central Australian business MPH Carpentry and Construction has been selected as the contractor, with the project on track for completion later this year.
The project is funded by the Albanese Government through the Barkly Regional Deal and is to be delivered by the Barkly Regional Council.
The facility, which replaces the 1950s-era corrugated iron building, features a multipurpose hall as well as a kitchen, office space and amenities.
A grandstand will sit atop the Youth Centre, providing a clear view of the football field and a central gathering place for sporting events.
MPH Carpentry and Construction is a family-owned Territory company based in Alice Springs that has completed several projects in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, throughout the Barkly and across remote areas in Central Australia.
The $100 million Barkly Regional Deal is funded by the Albanese and Northern Territory Governments and the Barkly Regional Council.
With a focus on regional economic and social development, the plan represents a coordinated push to address challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth in the Barkly.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"The Ali Curung Youth Centre will be a place for young people to come together and enjoy sport and recreation activities that support their health and wellbeing.
"This project has been shaped by community and will create a place where young people can build confidence and strengthen connections.
"This is another example of the Albanese Government investing in remote communities."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:
"Youth centres are a place where young people can gather for sport and recreation to connect with each other and build a sense of belonging.
"After visiting the region earlier this year and checking out progress on a number of Barkly initiatives, I'm really pleased to see this project is taking another important step forward.
"Alongside Council and Barkly Regional Deal partners, we're ensuring this new facility offers sport and recreational opportunities for young people, and meets the needs of the local community.
"The Ali Curung Youth Centre is being built by locals for locals, and I look forward to seeing it completed."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
"This is an extremely important project for the Ali Curung community - one they have been waiting a long time for.
"The Youth Centre has been designed alongside the local community and will help coordinate sport and recreational activities, leading to better health and wellbeing outcomes for Ali Curung youth.
"It will be a welcoming space that will offer a range of programs and activities to promote engaged and social behaviour as well as active lifestyles. Our remote communities deserve strong services and liveability, just like our urban areas, and this project will go a long way in achieving this."
Quotes attributable to NT Minister For Housing, Local Government and Community Development the Hon. Steven Edgington MLA:
"The Ali Curung Youth Centre is an important commitment under the Barkly Regional Deal, delivering a much-needed space for young people to come together, participate in activities and strengthen community connections.
Projects like this make a real difference in strengthening community wellbeing, and the Northern Territory Government is committed to working with all partners to support better opportunities and real outcomes for young people in the Barkly."
Quotes attributable to Barkly Regional Council Mayor Sid Vashist:
"Ali Curung deserves this new facility that has been designed in consultation with local leaders and youth.
"The Youth Centre will coordinate sport and recreational activities to support health and wellbeing outcomes for Ali Curung youth.
"It will be a welcoming space for youth that will offer a range of programs and activities to promote prosocial behaviour and active lifestyles; and will boost the liveability and sustainability of the Ali Curung community."
Quotes attributable to Barkly Regional Deal Governance Table Independent Chair Barb Shaw:
"The Barkly Regional Deal is a platform for partnerships between governments and all Aboriginal language groups living across the Barkly Region.
"The Ali Curung Youth Centre is the result of partners working together with the community to support their aspiration. The Centre will no doubt become a major centrepoint for the benefit of young people and their families."
