Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet Celebrate Territory Day Safely

Friday 28 June 2024

Territory Day is a chance for Territorians to celebrate this incredible place we call home and it’s important we celebrate safely.

Health

Every year on Territory Day people sustain firework related injuries, some severe enough to require hospitalisation. Common injuries include burns, ear and eye injuries and blunt trauma, and most people who present to hospital are bystanders.

NT Health is asking the public to take a few simple precautions to reduce the risk of injury on Territory Day:

Only buy fireworks from licenced retailers – the NT WorkSafe website has a list of all licensed retailersNever give fireworks to children under 12 years old and supervise children at all times around fireworksKeep spectators at least 10 metres away from where fireworks are being lit and never point or throw fireworks at another personAvoid wearing synthetic, flammable clothing around fireworksLight only one firework at a time, stabilise them to ensure they do not fall over and wet down all debris after useDon’t drop fireworks into a bin or leave them unattendedNever hold more than one sparkler at a time as the heat produced is amplified by each sparkler. Always hold a sparkler at arm’s length.Never pick up or relight a dud firework – wait 20 minutes, pour water on it and dispose of it properlyKeep a hose and a few buckets of water close byAlcohol and fireworks don’t mix – fireworks should not be used by people who are intoxicated.

If you receive a burn injury from a firework, remember the three C’s:

Cool it – under running water for 20 minutes;Cover it – with cling wrap (eye pad or clean dressing if an eye injury); andCall 000 – for an emergency response.

Prepare yourself by updating your First Aid Kit, in the car or at home, in case it needs to be used.

Fireworks approved periods and disposal

Throughout Territory Day festivities, fireworks can only be bought, used and kept during approved times:

Fireworks can only be purchased between 9am and 9pm on Monday 1 July 2024.Fireworks can only be used between 6pm and 11pm on Monday 1 July 2024.

Legally, people can only possess fireworks from 9am Monday 1 July 2024 to 12pm (midday) Tuesday 2 July 2024.

The sale, possession and use of fireworks outside of the approved period is illegal unless a person holds a permit. The fine is $1,850 for each offence.

Be aware that personal fireworks are not permitted at Territory Day community events, for example the Darwin Waterfront and Mindil Beach are restricted areas and the use of personal fireworks is banned.

Fireworks can be used in public spaces and on your private property. However people who live in a unit complex should check with their body corporate for any restrictions within their complex.

People are encouraged to only buy enough fireworks that they can safely use on Territory Day.

People with unused fireworks can contact NT Worksafe on 1800 019 115 to organise handing in fireworks for safe disposal. Fireworks can also be handed into a police station front counter.

NT Police can issue on-the-spot fines if people use fireworks in a way that could damage property or injure a person or animal. Fines can also be issued if people are caught with fireworks after midday on 2 July 2024.

Act responsibly on Territory Day

Territory Day is a highlight on the calendar for many Territorians, but it always come with a fire risk. Territorians must be cautious around any fires and prepare their properties including clearing any dry materials such as grass and mulch.

We can all do our part to lower the fire risk and ensure our homes and families are prepared for this with a few simple steps:

Trim back trees that hang over structures and control or eradicate grassy weed species.Maintain a well-cut lawn around your home, and make sure you have plenty of water and resources to put out fires before they get out of hand.Ensure your property is easily identifiable with a street and lot number visible on the front gate – clearly visible signs are critical to help our Firies find your home.Call 000 as soon as a fire becomes unmanageable.

Emergency services receive more than 1,000 calls throughout the Territory Day festivities and therefore cannot guarantee a response. It’s up to everyone to act responsibly to ensure the community and environment are kept safe.

Pet owners

Fireworks and pets don’t mix. Dogs and other animals may be frightened, confused and stressed by the loud sounds from fireworks. Owners are responsible for the welfare, health and safety of their pets.

Ensure pets are microchipped and registered with your local council and have a plan in place if leaving pets at home alone on Territory Day. A simple tip is to consider putting your pet in a travel crate in a quiet area, with curtains closed, air conditioning on, and soothing music playing to calm and reassure them.

NT Police can issue on the spot fines if people use fireworks in a way that could damage property or injure a person or animal.

Let’s all work together and help our emergency services by doing the right thing and stay safe this cracker night.

For more information about Territory Day events and FAQs visit [http://www.territoryday.nt.gov.au]

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