Skate, Create and Celebrate these school holidays

Wednesday 18 June 2025

More than 600 activities will be on offer across the Territory these June-July school holidays, thanks to grants from the Finocchiaro CLP Government grants supporting local youth and community organisations to run fun, safe, and inclusive programs.

Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality Jinson Charls said the government’s continued investment in youth programs ensures Territory kids can stay active, learn new skills, and connect with others during the break.

“This school holiday program is a great example of how we’re working with local communities to give Territory kids opportunities to learn, explore, and stay connected,” Mr Charls said.

“From art exhibitions and drop-in centres in Darwin to poolside movies and colour runs in East Arnhem, there’s something for everyone no matter where you live. This is what our year of action, certainty and security is all about, delivering real opportunities for young Territorians in every corner of the NT."

The Office of Youth Affairs, within the Department of People, Sport and Culture, coordinates the calendars in partnership with community organisations. Activities range from disco nights and arts workshops to sports clinics and movie afternoons.

Jack Dowden from Build Up Skateboarding said the holidays are the perfect chance for young people to try something new in a positive environment.

“The calendar this holiday period is unreal. In all regions of the NT, young people have an amazing selection of activities to get involved in,” Mr Dowden said.

“We’re proud to be part of the school holiday program again, running skateboarding workshops that are challenging, rewarding, inclusive, and importantly accessible to all young Territorians.”

Holiday programs will run across all regions including Darwin, Palmerston and rural; Alice Springs and Central Australia; Katherine and Big Rivers; Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem; Tennant Creek and Barkly from Saturday 21 June to Monday 14 July 2025, with some events kicking off on the afternoon of the last day of term.

Regional highlights include: 

• Alice Springs: More than 160 activities, including bike fixing workshops and sport clinics.  

• Darwin, Palmerston and rural: Over 150 activities including the Secret Art Exhibition, fitness programs, drop-in spaces, and more.  

• East Arnhem: Opportunities to participate in youth discos, fitness workshops, movie afternoons at the pool, and a colour fun run.  

• Big Rivers: Katherine will offer exciting activities such as free movies, skateboarding workshops, and creative arts workshops to keep young people entertained.  

• Barkly: Keep an eye out for calendar updates for Tennant Creek, with programs hosted at the Tennant Creek Youth Centre and surrounds on offer.  

These programs are part of the government’s broader commitment to youth wellbeing, with more than $3 million invested through the Regional Youth Activities Grants and Youth Vibe Holiday Grants across the year.

Most events are free, though some may require bookings or have a small fee.

To check out the full program and book your spot, visit: nt.gov.au/school-holiday-events

Media contact – Olivia Sherlock – 0407 089 389

Images

1. Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality Jinson Charls with Tenzin Skuja from Build Up Skateboarding
2. Minister Charls with Jack Dowden, Founder of Build Up Skateboarding
3. Tenzin Skuja showing Minister Charls his skill