Chief Minister Adam Giles says the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre at Marrara provides a new pathway for young indigenous Territorians to learn through sport.
“Territorians, especially in our remote communities, love AFL and this is a fantastic facility that uses this passion to connect young people with education, training and employment opportunities,” Mr Giles said.
“The Territory Government is a proud supporter of the centre providing land as well as $2.5 million dollars in funding to help make Michael Long’s dream a reality.
“I’m also pleased to announce that the Motor Accident Compensation Scheme has just signed a 10 year, $1.5 million partnership with the Centre to promote road safety in the Territory.”
Under this agreement, every student who attends the Centre, particularly those from remote communities, will receive road safety awareness training.
“This is a group which is difficult to reach through mainstream channels and the partnership is an opportunity to improve road safety awareness among this key target group,” Mr Giles said.
The Territory Education Department is also in talks with the Centre on how it can partner with the program.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Gary Higgins said the 2300 square-metre Centre is a unique educational, training and fitness facility that has accommodation for up to 32 remote students and secondary accommodation for elite sporting teams and development squads.
“The goal is to host up to 500 remote students in the centre’s first year of operation with the first intake expected in May,” Mr Higgins said.
“The Centre is a huge asset to Northern Australia and has the capacity to operate as a host venue for visiting teams, competitions, workshops, seminars and other sporting events.”
The first-class facility incorporates a learning area and residential accommodation, a gym, lap pool and rehabilitation pool and spa, an education space, music and arts space, function rooms, a lecture theatre, a dining room and kitchen, change rooms, medical facilities, coaching facilities and office space.
“About 60 people were employed during construction of the Centre and the facility will create 10 full time and 18 part-time and casual jobs,” Mr Higgins said.
The $15 million Centre is a joint initiative of the Australian Government ($7.5 m), the Territory Government ($2.5 m), the Aboriginals Benefit Account ($3.5m) and the Australian Football League ($1.5 m).
AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick shakes hands with Michael Long. Picture: AFL Media
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu performs at the launch of the centre. Picture: AFL Media
