Boomanulla Oval is a step closer to returning to Aboriginal control after an interim management committee met for the first time to discuss the future of the culturally and historically significant site in Canberra's inner south.
The committee, which met on Tuesday, is made up of community and government members and will oversee the transition of the oval to Aboriginal community control, the government said.
Committee co-chair Kim Davison said the transition was about ensuring the community could make decisions for the oval and create lasting opportunities.
"Our community has long recognised the importance of Boomanulla Oval as a gathering place and cultural asset. This committee provides a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to shape its future and strengthen its role for generations to come," Ms Davison said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Suzanne Orr said the joint committee of community and government members showed the ACT's commitment to supporting self-determination for Indigenous people.
"Boomanulla Oval is a place of immense cultural significance and community pride. Establishing this interim committee is an important step toward ensuring the oval's future is guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and community aspirations," Ms Orr said.
The oval, named after Indigenous advocate Mervin John "Boominulla" Williams and established in Narrabundah in 1984, is a significant football ground for the national Aboriginal community and once hosted training sessions for visiting NRL teams.
The Aboriginal Corporation for Sport and Recreation Activities (ACSRA) owned the oval's 50-year concessional lease, but shut the site in late 2014 due to financial difficulties. ACSRA was wound up in mid-2015 and the lease was surrendered back to the ACT.
The ACT began a tender process to find a new Aboriginal community-controlled organisation to manage the oval and Winnunga Nimmityjah, an Aboriginal primary healthcare service, developed a proposal the government decided would not work.
"This is regrettable and the ACT government acknowledges that the tender process for Boomanulla has had its challenges, and is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans to improve future processes," the City and Environment Directorate has said previously.
The government has been responsible for the site since 2015, refurbishing and upgrading the sporting facilities in 2018. ACT Labor has long promised the oval would be returned to Aboriginal community control.
The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body in 2025 reiterated its recommendation the government finalise and implement transition plans for community control of Boomanulla Oval, the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm and the Yarramundi Reach cultural centre.
The body said the government ought to ensure "each transfer includes long-term operational funding and legal agreements for long-term stewardship".
The body in August 2025 agreed in principle to the government's proposed community advisory committee but said the site was more than just a sporting facility.
"It is a place of cultural and community significance for our people, and its management must reflect that," the body said in a statement.
The members of the committee are:
