This project is directly linked to increased participation and can demonstrate improved environmental outcomes for local and regional indigenous communities in the Alice Springs region. The current Santa Teresa Oval is a clayey red sand loam, common in Central Australia, and limits the use and potential of the space.

The local school would like to use the oval every day for their students’ exercise activities, but the dust is hazardous to children with breathing difficulties and has been anecdotally linked to the increasing incidence of eye disease (Trachoma) in Santa Teresa children. As the school is situated adjacent to the oval, the use of the oval as a normal part of a school day will increase significantly and have a positive impact on levels of attendance and concentration in school. The state of the oval has also made programs such as Auskick or athletics impossible to implement with any consistency. A good surface will enable the community to increase participation of young girls and boys in such programs.

A healthy lifestyle starts with young children and sets a pattern for fitness and healthy life decisions throughout their lives. Women will not train on the oval given the surface, and this has hampered efforts to start their own women’s football team. While some players will travel into Alice Springs to play, they cannot safely train at the current oval during the week. The new surface will allow building the skills and fitness of local women, addressing many poor lifestyle health conditions such as obesity and diabetes. The area does not have the luxury of regular rainfalls and can only expect dust-settling rain for 1 - 3 weeks once a year. The oval is situated in the centre of the community and the dust generated is harmful to community members and many suffer from breathing problems. Grassing of such a large central area will significantly reduce dust pollution in the community and the overall health of all ages.

Through our fundraising partnership with the Sports Foundation, donations to this vital community project are tax deductible. So please show your support by donating today!

PROJECT UPDATE 14 NOVEMBER 2019

SInce securing partnerships with the MCC Foundation (Major Partner), AFLNT, Hunter Industries and Hunter Products (Project Partners) our individual donor fundraising target has been reduced considerably. Funds raised above our revised target of $70,000 will ensure ongoing maintenance and water costs are covered well beyond the initial four years of the project. Any donation amount is appreciated.

For up to date progress on the Santa Teresa Oval project click here