City of Darwin invites the community to celebrate Territory Day 2025 with care, keeping in mind the wellbeing of pets, our environment and each other. In preparation for the much-loved annual event, a range of initiatives and measures have been put in place to support animal welfare and create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Territory Day, held annually on 1 July, is a unique occasion for the Northern Territory, where the public can purchase and use fireworks. While it’s an exciting event for many, it can also be challenging for pets, wildlife, and the broader community.

"Territory Day is a time of celebration and excitement for the Northern Territory, but it's also an opportunity to show care and compassion for all members of our community—both humans and animals” said Matt Grassmayr, Acting CEO, City of Darwin.

“This year, we’re proud to being taking extra steps to ensure that our pets, wildlife and the broader environment are protected during the festivities. Let’s come together to create a safe, and memorable experience for everyone, while keeping the wellbeing of our furry friends and the community at heart” he added.

City of Darwin has coordinated a multifaceted approach to managing the impacts of fireworks, particularly on animals. This year, our supportive measures including extended ranger patrols, fee waivers for impounded pets, helpful education and microchipping to support lost pets with owners.

What’s New This Territory Day:

• Animal Welfare Pop-up: On 28 June, visit the Nightcliff Foreshore to pick up free calming pet samples and postcards with helpful tips on keeping pets safe during Territory Day celebrations. City of Darwin’s Animal Education Team also attended the Bundilla Beach Opening Night on 20 June, where they shared tips for keeping pets safe and offered calming sprays to help pets stay relaxed during the festivities
• Disposing of Fireworks Waste: From 1 July, skip bins will be placed in key locations such as Bundilla, Fannie Bay, East Point, Nightcliff Foreshore and Bicentennial Park for the safe and easy disposal of used fireworks
• Extra Ranger Support: Additional rangers will be on duty to help with lost pets and ensure community safety. Two teams will focus on reuniting lost pets, while a third will ensure everything is running smoothly in public areas. A crew will remain on-call until 10pm, as usual.
• Hours at the Pound: City of Darwin’s pound will close at 5pm and reopen to the public the next morning at 9am. Rangers working on Territory Day will do their best to return lost pets on the night, with the Pound reopening as per normal the following day; however, this can only occur if the animal is currently registered. Unregistered animals will be impounded so we strongly encourage anyone with unregistered pets to do so before 1 July!  
• Tennis Courts and Reserve Closures: City-owned tennis courts will be closed from 6:30pm on Territory Day until 6:00am the next morning. East Point Reserve will be closed to the public from 5:00pm, reopening at 5:00am the next day.
• Microchipping Event: Thanks to a successful event with RSPCA NT on 21 June, many local pets were microchipped to help keep them safe and ensure they’re easily returned home if lost.
• Free Pet Desexing: The popular free desexing program, running from 16-27 June, has now filled all its available appointments, with several pets underway with getting desexed over the period.

City of Darwin is dedicated to creating a safe, enjoyable Territory Day for all by combining community education, proactive animal management and clear communication to ensure pets and people can enjoy the celebration with minimal stress.

For more information, visit www.darwin.nt.gov.au/territory-day