Nyirripi held a football carnival on 1-3 November with Willowra and Yuendumu sending both men’s and women’s teams to participate, while Nyirripi fielded two men’s and a women’s team.

Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) works crew with help from Community Development Program (CDP), cleaned and leveled the oval in the days leading up to the start to ensure player safety.

Northern Territory Police were present, supported by Community Safety Patrol teams from Southern Tanami Kurdiji.  Due to the family atmosphere they were only spectators throughout the sports weekend.

In the men’s competition Nyirripi, after narrowly defeating Willowra, faced Yuendumu in the grand final. Despite the scores, it proved an entertaining game with Yuendumu proving too strong.

The Nyirripi women’s team were spectators in the women’s grand final with Willowra coming out on top against a determined but young Yuendumu side.

Many individual trophies were handed out at the presentations along with the winner’s prize. “It was great to see the trophies shared between the visiting communities as well as the home team,” said Ray Hocking, relieving Community Services Manager in Nyirripi.