The Santos Aboriginal Power Cup brought more than 200 First Nations students together for a week that blended Australian football, culture and community pride. 

It was the first time in the program’s successful 19-year history that the event had been held in the NT. 

The cup is much more than a sporting carnival – it uses the love of AFL to strengthen school engagement, leadership and future pathways. 

For many of the students involved, the week in Darwin was the culmination of months of commitment to their education, alongside a powerful celebration of culture and identity shared with their peers, families and communities. 

Santos, which operates the Darwin LNG plant at Wickham Point on the outskirts of Darwin, has a strong commitment to the Top End. 

ANDREW HAY AWARDS THE SANTOS ABORIGINAL POWER CUP GUERNSEY DESIGN AWARD TO MIA PURUNTATAMERI FROM CASUARINA SENIOR COLLEGE 

The expansion of the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup into the Territory comes as the Barossa gas project builds momentum, delivering high-heating LNG for the Asia-Pacific region while creating jobs and economic opportunity locally, alongside targeted support for communities across the NT. 

That support includes initiatives such as the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund, which invests over the long-term in community and homeland infrastructure, cultural activities and services that improve health, education, housing, community resilience and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people in the coastal areas of Northern Territory. It also invests in programs that enable Aboriginal people to care for their country and build capacity to establish new pathways to skilled, well-paying, and secure jobs and lasting opportunities. 

The Santos Aboriginal Power Cup is recognised as an industry-leading initiative. 

The nine Territory schools taking part receive a curriculum-aligned program covering culture, health, wellbeing, education and employment. 

The content is linked to National Closing the Gap targets, with key messages delivered by AFL players. 

At the heart of the program is a simple but powerful incentive: students who achieve at least 80 per cent school attendance and meet behaviour standards earn the opportunity to take part in the annual AFL carnival. 

In 2025, 93 per cent of participating students nationwide completed the program and 96 per cent reported increased confidence. All teachers said they would recommend the program. 

The Santos Aboriginal Power Cup expansion into the Territory is being led by Braedon Talbot, a Larrakia and Wagiman man originally from Darwin. 

He says the expansion is a significant step in creating meaningful, long-term change for young people in the Territory. 

“This program is about more than football – it’s about creating opportunity, building confidence and showing young people what’s possible when they stay engaged in school. 

“We have piloted the program up here for a few years to gain an understanding of some of the challenges these communities face, and we also know the strength, culture and potential that exists within them. 

“By bringing the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup to the Northern Territory, we’re creating a platform using the power of sport for students to feel connected, supported and motivated to attend school, while celebrating their identity and culture along the way.” 

He is supported by two Territory AFL heroes – Shaun Burgoyne and Steven Motlop, who delivered face-to-face workshops at schools in the lead-up to the carnival. 

“Programs like this show young people what can be achieved when you stay connected to school and back yourself,” says Shaun. 

“Footy is a powerful way to open the door, but it’s the life skills, education and confidence that come from both sport, and the Santos Aboriginal Power cup, that can make a real difference. 

“I’m proud to be part of something that not only supports students in the classroom, but also celebrates culture and helps build strong, connected communities.” 

Santos managing director and chief executive Kevin Gallagher says the Northern Territory expansion marks a proud milestone for a program Santos has supported since 2009. 

“We have a long-standing commitment to the Northern Territory and the communities in which we operate, and investing in the education and futures of young people is exactly where we want to make a difference.” 

One of the highlights of the event in Darwin was the announcement of the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup Guernsey Design Award winner – Mia Puruntatameri from Casuarina Senior College. 

Andrew Hay, the Santos Foundation’s head of strategy and performance, said at the awards ceremony that Santos has invested more than $3.5 million in the program to support about 6500 students to complete their secondary education and “enjoy the athleticism and camaraderie” that comes with taking part in the Power Cup. 

“Sport is an important way to empower people, especially young people, and we do that by linking it to education… 

“A good education will set you up for good jobs and success in life – and sport is also a powerful tool to build your confidence, your social and leadership skills, and the networks that can enrich and empower you… 

“These initiatives are about creating pathways – pathways to skills, confidence and pride. 

“We’re here to support the region and when I look around at all these faces around me – I see potential. Purpose. The future looks very bright.” TQ