Darwin a HP destination for Dolphins on green and gold runway to 2032

SWIMMING Australia, with the support of the Finocchiaro CLP Government, is holding a series of elite warm‑weather swimming training camps in Darwin this month.

The $150,000 grant strengthens the Northern Territory’s position as a high‑performance sporting destination in the lead‑up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The funding will enable Swimming Australia’s national squads to travel to Darwin and this month has featured athletes from St Peters Western, Miami Swimming Club and the Western Australian Institute of Sport, training at Parap and Casuarina pools.

The camps will feature national champions and Dolphins representatives, while also creating opportunities with local swimming clubs and Northern Territory Sports Academy athletes, delivered in partnership with Swimming Australia, Swimming NT and the City of Darwin.

Head coach of Swimming Australia Rohan Taylor said: “Darwin continues to be an important training base for us on the green and gold runway towards the 2032 Games.”

“The recent Singapore World Championships, which we prepared for in Darwin, are an excellent example of the Top End’s value.

“The Dolphins finished on top of the combined medal table across pool and open water swimming events – with one gold medal more than the USA.

“The location is a short drop into international markets, and the climate is perfect for our preparation – this time a number of our athletes are preparing for Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championship Trials, with this year’s camps set to strengthen Darwin’s position as a leading high performance destination.

“And for us, it is also an opportunity to engage and connect with the local community and, with support from Swimming NT, hopefully we can inspire dreams and showcase the pathway of becoming a Dolphin.

“We are grateful for this support and look forward to expanding  our partnership with the Northern Territory Government and the City of Darwin over the coming years, with a vision to deliver camps annually in Darwin through to 2032 and build a legacy impact for the NT.”

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said the Territory’s unique climate provides a competitive advantage for elite training and is proud to deliver the grant.

“These camps are a fantastic opportunity to showcase Darwin as a worldclass warm‑weather training destination ahead of Brisbane 2032,” he said.

“This investment is not only about elite performance but also about inspiring local athletes, supporting our sporting community and strengthening the Territory’s reputation on the national stage.”

The initiative builds on Swimming Australia’s previous use of Darwin as a national team staging destination with growing interest in the Territory as a year‑round training base for elite athletes.

“Darwin offers unique training conditions, outstanding facilities and a welcoming community, and we want more national sporting organisations to recognise the Territory as a destination of choice,” Mr Charls said.

Beyond the pool, the camps are expected to deliver broader benefits by boosting the local economy and showcasing the Territory’s unique lifestyle and capability to host high quality programs and events.