Northern Territory agreement to expand early learning access in Darwin and Tennant Creek

A new 60-place early childhood education and care service in Darwin and a commitment to establish a service in Tennant Creek will expand early learning access for Northern Territory families.

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments announced the agreement on 14 September 2026, confirming $8.7 million to deliver a new service at Manunda Terrace Primary School in Karama, in Darwin’s northern suburbs.

The investment forms part of the Australian Government’s $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, which supports the construction and expansion of early learning services in communities where additional places are needed.

New early learning places for Karama

The planned Karama service will provide 60 early childhood education and care places, with a preference for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation to operate it.

Locating the service at Manunda Terrace Primary School is intended to support children’s transition into school while making daily arrangements easier for families with children attending both settings.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh said the agreement delivered on the Government’s election commitment to establish a new service in Karama. She highlighted the benefits of school co-location for children and families.

Commitment to a Tennant Creek service

The agreement also includes a commitment to build an early childhood education and care service in Tennant Creek, with further details to be agreed.

Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator for the Northern Territory Malarndirri McCarthy welcomed the planned services as additional opportunities to support Territory children in their early years.

The announcement did not specify the capacity or delivery timeframe for the Tennant Creek service.

Agreements now signed across all states and territories

The Northern Territory agreement is the eighth and final Federation Funding Agreement signed with states and territories under the Building Early Education Fund, completing its initial state and territory stage.

Outcomes from funding rounds for small and large providers are expected to follow.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the fund was intended to increase access in communities needing more early learning places, emphasising that a child’s location should not determine their opportunity to participate.

For the Northern Territory, the agreement establishes a pathway to additional places in Karama and a future service in Tennant Creek. The preference for an Aboriginal Community Controlled operator in Karama also creates an opportunity for community-led delivery.

Further information is available in the joint ministerial announcement.