City of Darwin's popular LAUNCH Night Series has returned, with sessions running on Saturday nights throughout March 2025 at the Nightcliff Community Centre.
LAUNCH Night Series is a late-night, social inclusion activity program for young people aged 12 to 17 years old.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the program aimed to provide young people with a safe, healthy and positive environment on Saturday nights.
"LAUNCH Night Series has been running since 2015 and was previously known as Midnight Basketball," Mr Vatskalis said.
"We are incredibly proud of LAUNCH Night Series which aims to help young people participate in positive activities in their local community.
"Through City of Darwin's almost decade-long support, we have seen over 5,000 attendances by young people.
"Connecting with fellow young people in a safe and connected environment can build positive self-esteem and also divert young people away from unhealthy behaviours," he said.
LAUNCH Night Series runs in four-week blocks, four times per year and features a variety of activities, with this term featuring circus skills, pickleball and art.
Attendees can also take part in cooking workshops and wellbeing support, with free transport home provided if required.
City of Darwin's LAUNCH program provides young people in Darwin with opportunities for active community participation.
There are a range of events and activities available which are informed by young people and the community, as well as City of Darwin's 2022-2026 Youth Strategy.
Regular events include 'Get That Job' school holiday workshops to assist young people in upskilling for work, NT Youth Week events, skate events and Geektacular, Geek Up and Gaming After Dark presented in partnership with City of Darwin Libraries.
LAUNCH Night Series 2025 is delivered by Pathfinders NT and IBC Social Enterprise, with matched funding from City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government.
