A Saltie is not just the affectionate Australian nickname for the famous saltwater crocodile, it is also the name of Darwin's local basketball club. The Darwin Salties are renowned for displaying their courage and tenacity on the court.  

For the next three years, Ventia will help to create pathway programs for players in the Northern Territory to assist in realising their full potential to play in the NBL. 

John Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer for Basketball Northern Territory said the club is progressing well in the National Basketball League. 

Darwin Salties is a relatively new club, but Basketball Northern Territory has been developing the skills and talent of local players in Darwin for more than 10 years, ensuring we are supporting the next generation of players.

Darwin Basketball Association, Executive Office, Kerri Savidge agrees the players are getting better and better with the club receiving the Northern Territory Team of the Year at the 2023 Northern Territory Sports Awards. 

"We are thrilled the Darwin Salties have been recognised as the top club in the Northern Territory'

We look forward to working with Ventia to further support the development of players in the Northern Territory.

Stephen Densmore, Ventia's Northern Territory Regional Steering Committee Chairperson said the club was a vital sporting organisation in Darwin with many people in the community, including Ventia employees, active contributors and supporters of the club. 

'Ventia will support the club by providing flexible work opportunities for players and access to leadership and mentoring programs; advice on the development of the club's sports facilities including an energy assessment and communication modernisation; and opportunities to regularly participate in other community engagement initiatives in the Territory."