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The Darwin Buffaloes - one of Darwin’s oldest football clubs with a proud 107-year history in the NTFL - will now have a new home at Woodroffe Oval following an investment of $2.8 million from the Northern Territory Government budget 2024/25 into the redevelopment of the ground.

AFL Northern Territory (AFL NT) welcomed the significant investment from the Northern Territory Government into Woodroffe Oval as part of the 2024/25 budget.  

The Woodroffe Oval redevelopment is part of the $6.5 million committed by the NT Government to deliver much needed capacity for football in Palmerston.

With Palmerston boasting more than 35,000 residents, and substantial football participation numbers - particularly with more women and girls taking up the sport - the project will provide significant positive benefits to the broader community twelve months a year.

The introduction of the Darwin Buffaloes at the oval, an established community club with around 500 playing members, will have a notable impact on the community.

Woodroffe Oval is also home to the Palmerston Cricket Club and its 200 members, who will also benefit from the upgrades to the facilities.

The redevelopment will include resurfacing and expanding the playing surface, installing new fences around the playing field and installing 200 lux lighting.

There will also be an upgrade to the clubhouse including to the kitchen and kiosk facilities, a multipurpose social room and four new change rooms for players and umpires.

The NT Government is committed to investing in sporting infrastructure and to encouraging more Territorians to live healthy and active lifestyles.

Since the establishment of the feasibility study, the development of Woodroffe Oval has been an ongoing priority of AFLNT. In addition to the investment from the Northern Territory Government, AFLNT has also committed $250,000 to the project.

Head of AFL Northern Territory, Sam Gibson noted “With approximately 60% participation growth in the NTFL since 2021, the development of more ovals across the Top End is a high priority of AFLNT’s. We welcome this budget commitment and thank the NT Government for supporting what is a very exciting project. 

“We know how important sporting clubs are to the fabric of communities, the addition of the Darwin Buffaloes to Palmerston is not only a massive step for the club, but also a great thing for Palmerston. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the NT Government, NT Cricket, the Palmerston Cricket Club and the Darwin Buffaloes to bring this project to fruition.

President of the Darwin Buffaloes Football Club, Brenda Atkinson enthused “we’re thrilled with the announcement today, as a grassroots, volunteer-run organisation this funding secures the long-term sustainability for future generations. We’re excited for what the future holds.”

The Woodroffe Oval redevelopment will also deliver on other AFL NT strategic priorities that relate to participation, club sustainability, growth, diversity and inclusion.

Image. Credit: AFL NT

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