Delivered by Northern Territory KinderGym Clubs, the pilot will open the door for more children under five to build confidence, coordination and a lifelong love of movement through affordable gymnastics classes.
By subsidising participation costs through their significant investment, the NT Government – through the Department of People, Sport and Culture – is ensuring the program can support greater involvement from Aboriginal children, children with disability and others from under-represented groups.
Gymnastics Australia CEO, Alistair Edgar, is buoyed by the announcement and excited to see Territorians embracing gymnastics.
“This investment reflects a shared commitment to supporting the development of children and young people through sport,” he said.
“We are grateful that the NT Government is continuing to show a willingness to strengthen the community access to safe, high-quality gymnastics programs and are excited to see more Territorians, especially those who might not normally have access, experience the joy and benefits of gymnastics.”
Equally, Executive Director – Gymnastics Northern Territory, Jayde Martin, is excited to see the flow-on effect of the investment throughout the community.
“This pilot program is something of a game changer for our community,” she said.
“By reducing the barriers to entry, we are giving more children the chance to build a love of gymnastics and set themselves up for success in their early years.
Modelled on the proven Learn to Swim framework, Learn to KinderGym will offer safe, structured movement exercises that help children develop essential early-years physical literacy skills such as rolling, balancing, jumping, stretching, swinging and spatial awareness; forming the foundation for healthy development and lifelong participation in physical activity.
Since its inception in 1980, the KinderGym program has been helping young Australians to develop these skills, and this latest investment in the Territory represents an important step in its proud 45-year history.
The 12-month pilot is scheduled to roll out until June 30, 2026, across three Darwin-area locations, with KinderGym programs offered at Darwin Gymnastic Club (Marrara), Elemental Gymnastics (Woolner) and Territory Gymnastics Academy (Winnellie).
Jinson Charls, Minister for People, Sport and Culture looks forward to the opportunity for increased access to sport in the community as a result of the program.
“Gymnastics is one of the best ways for young children to build the foundations of movement, balance and strength,” he said. “This program will help families access fun, structured classes that build confidence and improve health outcomes.
“We’re proud to support Gymnastics NT to lead this pilot and make gymnastics more accessible to kids right across the Territory.”
With programs expected to run in 5 week blocks, the NT Government is expecting it to reach the children of up to 1,000 families over the course of the year.
Designed with scope to grow, too, the pilot program will also incorporate detailed case studies and evaluation to inform future expansion.
“Gymnastics is uniquely placed to support children’s physical development,” Mr Edgar concluded.
“And ultimately, this program offers an invaluable opportunity to offer that experience to more people, both now and into the future.”
For more information, please contact Jayde Martin — Executive Director, Gymnastics Northern Territory
Email: executivedirector@gymnt.com.au
More information on the KinderGym program in Australia is available below
L-R: Mitch Hardy, NT Sport & Rec, Jayde Martin, Gymnastics NT CEO, The Minister for People, Sport and Culture, the Honourable Jinson Charls, Al Edgar, Gymnastics Australia CEO, Mr Matthew Kerle, Member for Blain
