Hockey NT Partners with Aspire Cairns Community Limited to Launch the Move Our Way Program, Expanding Access to Sport Across Nor

Hockey NT Partners with Aspire Cairns Community Limited to Launch the Move Our Way Program, Expanding Access to Sport Across Northern Australia

In an exciting new collaboration, Hockey Northern Territory (Hockey NT) has joined forces with Aspire Cairns Community Limited (ACCL), Harbrow Mentoring Australia, and Our Future mentors to bring the Move Our Way Program to communities across Northern Australia. Supported by Play Our Way funding, this initiative is designed to make sports more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for people in remote and Indigenous communities over the next three years, with a Hockey NT focus on expanding resources and support in Katherine, Gove, and the greater Darwin area.

Move Our Way Program Overview

The Move Our Way Program will deliver engaging and adaptable sports experiences, blending traditional games with modified sports formats to reflect the values and interests of local communities. Developed with input from residents, the program ensures cultural relevance while fostering a welcoming environment for participation. Hockey NT is committed to strengthening support for regional and Indigenous communities, with dedicated efforts to enhance access to hockey in Katherine, Gove, and the greater Darwin area, aiming to build a foundation for lasting engagement, well-being, and opportunity.

Led by Aspire Cairns Community Limited in alignment with Grant Opportunity Guidelines GO6763, the program extends beyond participation by offering sports leadership training and skill-building sessions, creating a sustainable legacy for inclusion and community health. These efforts empower participants to take on leadership roles and become advocates for health and activity within their communities, providing inspiration for future generations.

Julie McNeil, CEO of Aspire Community, highlighted the initiative’s potential: “This program has the potential to make a lasting difference in remote regions of Northern Australia. Through authentic community co-design, we can adapt activities, training, and engagement to reflect the unique strengths and values of each area, while creating practical pathways to sustain opportunities and positive outcomes. We’re excited to work with Jason and the team at Hockey NT.”

Fostering Enduring Change and Opportunity

The Move Our Way Program addresses the challenges to sports participation faced by those in rural and remote communities, especially in Indigenous areas. By engaging local voices and providing needed resources and equipment, the program is set to create a foundation for sustained community involvement and well-being. Hockey NT, alongside ACCL and other dedicated partners, is proud to support an initiative that unites communities, respects cultural heritage, and strengthens regional support for sport, with a strong focus on Katherine, Gove, and the greater Darwin area.

Jason Butcher, CEO of Hockey NT, emphasized the value of this collaborative approach: “Accessing the Play Our Way funding is a significant step forward for Hockey NT and our community partners across Northern Australia. We are committed to working alongside regional communities to bring inclusive and accessible sports opportunities to the Northern Territory and beyond. With a strong focus on the areas of Katherine and Gove, we’re ensuring that more communities have the chance to participate in sport in a way that reflects their needs and aspirations.”

Looking Ahead

As Hockey NT embarks on this journey with Aspire Cairns Community Limited and our valued partners, we look forward to building a program that strengthens connections, community pride, and regional resilience. With a commitment to supporting Katherine, Gove, and the greater Darwin area, we are excited to extend our reach into these communities, helping to create a lasting impact where it is needed most.

For updates on the Move Our Way Program and more from Hockey NT, stay connected through our social channels and website. Together, we are creating a future where sport serves as a bridge, honouring community and culture while building pathways for generations to come.