3 June 2026
All Government Schools will embrace a new Territory Day initiative to restore Territory pride amongst school children.This year's theme, 'Identity: What does Territory Day mean to me', encourages students to reflect on their connection to the Territory, their community, the people and experiences that shape who they are.Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, highlighted the importance of the day, and said its crucial students in NT Government schools grow up learning Territory history to preserve it for future generations.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today announced all Northern Territory Government Schools will be celebrating and learning about Territory pride in the lead up to Territory Day on the 1st of July.
From this year, schools will embrace a new Territory Day initiative to restore Territory pride, identity and history for school children, designed to become a proud annual learning and celebration opportunity for NT schools, building towards the 50th Anniversary of Self-Government in the NT in 2028.
The 2026 theme, 'Identity: What does Territory Day mean to me', encourages students to reflect on their connection to the Territory, their community, the people and experiences that shape who they are.
Some of the proposed activities for different school stages are:
Preschool to year 2 - Put yourself/your family on an NT map, perform a Territory inspired song, make artwork about what you do on Territory Day.Years 3 to 4 - Jigsaw puzzles, create artwork or a class book about Territory Day.Years 5 to 6 - Make an NT postcard, create a tourism product, capture the story of an older Territorian.Years 7 to 8 - Create a song, a class podcast about the history of self government, a Territory themed gratitude board.Years 9 to 12 - Work with a younger year level on a project, design NT themed T-shirts, plates or mugs.
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, said Territory Day is important, and its crucial students in Government schools grow up learning Territory history and preserve it for future generations.
"As a long-term Territorian, Territory Day to me is an important reminder of when we took control of our own affairs, and a reminder for me to maintain fighting for the Territory.
"We'll see our young students from Preschool to Year 2 creating artwork about what their family does for Territory Day, up to our Years 9 to 12 students keeping the Territory spirit alive by designing Territory themed T-shirts.
"This is all about being proud of our Northern Territory history and culture, ensuring we promote and preserve it for future generations."
Member for Blain, Matthew Kerle, said: "Our families favourite Territory Day pastime is setting off crackers, but it's important we teach the next generation the history and meaning behind why we celebrate the day.
"Territory Day to me is a celebration of our freedom, independence, and a chance to appreciate our unique Territory lifestyle."
The initiative supports student engagement, literacy, creativity and wellbeing through collaborative and reflective learning experiences while providing opportunities for students to build communication, storytelling and creative expression skills.
