Over the 2023-24 summer, the NIAA worked alongside the NT Government to ensure residents and visitors in Central Australia enjoyed a safe holiday period.
The Summer in Central Australia 2023-24 Action Plan was developed in collaboration with the NT Government, Alice Springs Town Council, MacDonnell Regional Council, and Central Desert Regional Council.
This Plan focused on keeping the community safe through preventative safety measures that included delivering a fun, engaging and diverse program of recreational activities for youth and families over the summer break.
Over 13,300 young people participated in recreational programs in Alice Springs, including boxing, sport, music, cultural activities, cinema and Wet Wednesday’s at the Alice Springs Aquatic Centre.
Approximately 80% of participants were Indigenous. In addition, 25 remote communities across Central Australia received funding to run targeted, community-led activities for young people and families.
The NIAA worked alongside the NT Government, NT Police, local delivery organisations and communities to develop strategies to ensure engaging opportunities were available for young people over the summer, further supporting efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
In Alice Springs, a youth diversion program led by Oonchiumpa Consultancy provided culturally appropriate interventions and activities, including camps and day trips for 18 at-risk young people.