The Territory Labor Government’s 2019 Arafura Games was a success; with an event evaluation report showing the Games generated over $7 million directly into the economy and an additional flow on contribution to the economy of $6.5 million – benefiting Territorians, supporting jobs and local businesses.

Over ninety per cent of people surveyed agreed that the Territory Labor Government should continue to invest in events like the Arafura Games.

The analysis was undertaken by IER, a business consultancy specialising in research, strategy, economic and social impacts for major events.

The Arafura Games were axed by the former CLP Government in 2012, with Labor promising to bring them back and doing just that in April this year.

Overall, there were 7,362 non-Darwin residents who attended or competed in the Games, with the majority of travellers (6,215) coming to Darwin specifically to attend.

Businesses in the Territory (89.7 per cent) believe that the Games provided positive social and community benefits for locals, with over half the businesses surveyed saying they noticed an increase in customers coming through their doors.

The outcomes of this research shows how investment into the Games has paid off, with strong numbers in visitation, which brought more money into the Territory economy and supported local businesses and local jobs.

With 1,762 athletes from 46 countries taking part in 15 sports, the Arafura Games has also provided a stepping-stone for athletes attempting to boost their performance and international rankings in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics and cemented its position in the international sporting calendar.

The Territory Labor Government invested $7.2 million into the 2019 Arafura Games and will bring them back in 2021 (May 14-22).

For more information on the event evaluation report go to the publications section of the Arafura Games website www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au

Quotes from the Minister for the Arafura Games, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Labor Government realised early on the economic and social benefits that these Games would bring to our community – this is why we promised to bring them back after they were killed off by the CLP in 2012.

“Our cafes were full, accommodation bursting and the city bustling - and now the economic impact study confirms the significant social and economic return to the Northern Territory.

“We will bring back the Arafura Games in 2021. The CLP would scrap them again – delivering a blow to the community and local businesses that back the Games."

Quotes from Waterfront Restaurant Owner David Robinson:

“We support anything that brings more people to Darwin and the Arafura Games did just that.

“We had a spike in trade during the Games period and it was such a buzz down at the waterfront.

“What a great event to have on our doorstep.”