Barkly Regional Council Welcomes 11 New Australian Citizens in Heartfelt Tennant Creek Ceremony

ALPURRURULAM, NORTHERN TERRITORY – Barkly Regional Council is thrilled to announce the successful completion and opening of a brand-new shade structure over the Alpurrurulam community court, transforming the space into a safer and more versatile hub for residents. This significant project was made possible with $313,514 from the Australian Government under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program. This investment once again highlighting the strong partnership between the Council and the Australian Government to improve remote community facilities. For four years, the court has been a popular, yet exposed, area. The lack of shade severely limited its use, particularly during the intense heat of the day. The new structure, which began construction on November 6, 2025, and was completed on November 30, 2025, provides much-needed relief. This significant upgrade establishes the court as a true multipurpose area for the community. Beyond its traditional use for basketball, the newly shaded court will now serve as a vital meeting place and a dedicated area for various Sports and Recreation programs. A key feature of the new structure is the installation of solar lights. This addition is especially important, as it will allow children and residents to safely play basketball and participate in other activities during the cooler evenings, making the facility accessible even on the hottest days when daytime use is difficult.  "This new shade structure is more than just a physical upgrade—it’s an investment in community wellbeing and opportunity. My hope is that by creating a safer, cooler, and more friendly space, that we’re enabling our young people to come together, stay active, and enjoy social connections. The addition of solar lighting means this facility can be used well into the evening, which is a game-changer for our communities. I’m proud of the collaboration between Barkly Regional Council and the Australian Government that made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come." said Barkly Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Valda Napurrula Shannon. Barkly Regional Council is responsible for fostering sustainable development and delivering essential services to over 8,000 residents over 322, 713 square kilometres across the Northern Territory.