Territory Day acknowledges Self Government since 1980 and many Territorians will celebrate this special occasion with their own fireworks display.
The flip side of these celebrations is scared and lost pets, damaged property and injuries caused by the irresponsible use of fireworks.
Calls to City of Darwin reporting lost pets quadruple on Territory Day and pet dogs in particular become highly stressed by the noise of fireworks. So we encourage owners to take precautionary action to ensure safety and well-being of their pets.
City of Darwin has some top tips to keep your pet safe on Territory Day:
- Keep your pet inside while fireworks are going off
- Turn on the radio or television to provide background noise
- Ensure you boundary fence is secure and your pet can’t escape
- Make sure your pet is microchipped so it can quickly and easily be reunited with family.
In preparation for Territory Day, City of Darwin takes a number of measures to protect pets and community assets including:
- Extra rangers to pick up animals at large
- Locking community tennis courts from 12noon on Territory Day to 7.00am the following morning
- Fencing synthetic cricket wickets and turf wickets
- Locking the gates to East Point at 5pm on Territory Day
- Providing additional skip bins in key areas for people to dispose of used fireworks.
If you do lose your pet on Territory night, please call council’s after hours service - 08 8989 2843 between 5pm and 8am.
During business hours please call council's regulatory services team on 08 8930 0600.
For more information and tips on keeping your pets safe during fireworks please visit 'Great Pets Start with You'.
Keeping our open spaces, playgrounds and facilities safe and clean
Help us look after our open spaces, playgrounds and sports day facilities this Territory Day.
- Be mindful of where you let off fireworks
- Bin your used fireworks at the end of the night.
To report an issue to Council call 8930 0300 during business hours or after hours on 08 8989 2843.
We've arranged skip bins at some of our public spaces. You could bin your used fireworks here. Look out for the signage.