Off The Leash - December 2023/January 2024 by Off The Leash

JANUARY

Winner 2019-2023 NT Media Awards, Best Magazine or Lift Out

HIGH VISIBILITY

FEELIN' SWELL

MAGIC MAN

Telstra NATSIAA shines at MAGNT

Palmerston leisure centre revamp

Decennium: Cosentino's greatest hits

MUSIC

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PERFORMING ARTS

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VISUAL ARTS

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BOOKS & FILM

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FOOD & DRINK

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EXPLORE

DECEMBER

24 23

YOUR FREE WHAT’S ON GUIDE TO THE NT

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU E: editor@offtheleash.net.au T: 08 8941 7413 GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801

nd there you have it, the end of another year! Gracing our cover is a gorgeous artwork by Doris Arlyetilhe Thomas from Mparntwe/Alice Springs, which features in the 2023 Telstra NATSIAA. I think her vibrant and playful work is the perfect vibe for our bumper December and January edition.

F R OM T H E

r o t i d E

Held annually at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, it’s grown from humble beginnings in 1984 to become the most prestigious First Nations art award in Australia, rightfully putting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture under a national spotlight. The Telstra NATSIAA exhibition runs into February, so if you haven’t been to see it yet, I highly recommend you check it out. Being this time of year, there’s a bunch of things to do and see, so we've popped together some fun festive activities for you to enjoy. In [very] welcome news for those of us needing to watch our pennies, a bunch of it is free. City of Palmerston celebrates the unveiling of its huge new aquatic leisure centre, SWELL, and offers free entry until the end of 2026 – straight to the nice list for you, Council! Darwin Waterfront welcomes production company Oracle Liquid to the party combining light, sound and water in a series of nightly shows, whilst City of Darwin brings the Christmas cheer with a swag of festive events.

Something that might get the grown-ups feeling jolly is a sneaky cocktail. We’ve teamed up with Dom’s Bar & Lounge on a special concoction, which you’ll find on their specials menu throughout December. Find the recipe in the Food & Drink section, and also learn about Dom’s latest undertaking, Speargrass Distillery.

There’s so much more to explore with dance performances, magic (master illusionist Cosentino’s in town!) music gigs, and art, so read on to plan your festive season.

In OTL news, we were thrilled to take out the Best Magazine or Lift Out category at the NT Media Awards. We also launched our brand-spankin' new website thanks to our good friends at Captovate with some significant improvements, particularly for our user accounts. And after almost two years, we farewell our teammate, Kate Conway. Big thanks to Kate for her efforts during her time on Team OTL, joining us just as we rolled out our Territory expansion – we’ll miss you! (That also means we have a job opening, so if you think you’re a good fit for OTL, throw your name in the hat.)

LASERS, LIQUID & LIGHT | 5

THAT'S THE SPIRIT | 10

As per regular programming, we won’t print a February edition so we can take a break, but we'll be back in print from March. On behalf of the team and board, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2024!

JOIN THE PARTY AT ARALUEN | 21

Tierney Seccull Managing Editor & Development Manager

Kate Conway Editorial Assistant

Danny Crichton Graphic Designer

OTL is proudly supported by

Betty Sweetlove Contributing writer Off The Leash Inc. acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

S T R A T E G I C

A C C O U N T A N T S

In 2022, OTL became a Territory-wide publication due to the generous support of Michael Sitzler, for all Territorians.

Cover proudly sponsored by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Team OTL at the NT Media Awards

MON 5 FEB website listings

Got an event in

March'24?

(upload anytime – this just gives you a chance to get a free listing in print!)

Scan to download our media kit

Doris Arlyetilhe Thomas, Footy At Titjikala (detail), 2022, synthetic polymer paint on Belgian linen, 66x125cm. Photo: MAGNT/Mark Sherwood. © Doris Thomas/Copyright Agency, 2023

FRI 9 FEB advert bookings THU 15 FEB advert artwork due

Although all care is taken to ensure information ininformation Off The LeashinisOff correct, it is subject to change. We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au updates. Although all care is taken to ensure The Leash is correct, it is subject to change. We recommend checkingfor offtheleash.net.au for updates.

This edition may contain the names, images, artworks and stories of people who have passed away. Please read with care. December 2023 | January 2024

FEATURE

RT CENTRES ARE often referred to as the beating heart of remote Indigenous communities. Artists come together and create, reflecting themselves, their stories, their history and culture through art. This important culture preserving tradition has lasted more than 65,000 years. Beautiful traditional and contemporary work takes form in these special places, the Art Centres a figurative bloodline pumping back into the community with money generated through art sales. But, most importantly, creation on Country, in community, gives artists a strong sense of agency. And the Telstra NATSIAA elevates the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture. The Telstra NATSIAA has grown over the last four decades to be the longest running and most prestigious First Nations art award this country has ever seen. And although the prize money lucrative, the accolades esteemed, it’s this visibility of First Nations culture and arts practice that is truly its best achievement. This year, Keith Wikmunea took out the 2023 Telstra Art Award for his almost three-metre sculpture, a stunning work that reflects all that he is. “Ku’, Theewith & Kalampang: The White Cockatoo, Galah and the wandering Dog is a sculpture that represents who I am as a Thu’ Apalech man from the Cape York Peninsula. The colours on this tree are specific to my clan, the Thu’ Apalech people,” he says. “In Wik-Mungkan, my first spoken language, we call this tree yuk thanchal. This tree is also known as milkywood [sic] in English and is the same tree that my ancestors have been using since the beginning of time to create their artefacts. My Puulwuy [father’s totem] and my Kathwuy [mother’s totem] are represented here too.” Wikmunea’s work was one of 246 entries submitted into this year’s Awards, selected alongside 62 other Finalists to be exhibited at MAGNT. Category winners from the 2023 Telstra NATSIAA also include Julie Nangala Robertson (General Painting Award), Owen Yalandja (Bark Painting Award), Brenda L Croft (Work On Paper Award), Anne Nginyangka Thompson (Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award), Jimmy John Thaiday (Multimedia Award, for a second year running), and Dhalmula Burarrwaŋa (Emerging Artist Award). MAGNT Director Adam Worrall acknowledges the huge importance of NATSIAA, for all Australians, and says the Awards continues what it set out to do 40 years ago despite such humble beginnings.

HIGH VISIBILITY

By Tierney Seccull

In 1984, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) held the first National Aboriginal Art Award to celebrate the artistic practice and culture of First Nations Peoples. 40 years on, a diverse mix of works from what is now known as the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) continue to grace the gallery’s walls.

“MAGNT established this Award because it wanted to celebrate the validity and cultural diversity of contemporary Indigenous artistic expression at a time when it was largely undervalued and underappreciated,” he says. “While it began as a small, 10-day exhibition, over the past four decades it has showcased over 4,000 works from diverse language groups and communities across the continent. It’s provided significant exposure, growth and development to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts sector.” The 2023 Telstra NATSIAA was unveiled in August with a grand opening and Awards ceremony, and remains on display at MAGNT until mid-February 2024. If you’re yet to explore the impressive range of works from artists across Australia, you are in for a treat. If you’ve been fortunate to marvel at this year’s wonders, no-one could blame you for returning to sneak another peek. Through varied mediums, artists share themselves and their community with the viewer. Works offer a glimpse into what life is like on Country, often depicted in the style of a clan or a region. As you peruse the works, take a moment to consider the thousands of years of storytelling passed down through generations, the works upon the walls a physical manifestation of this knowledge. It's integral to Australian culture on the whole that we celebrate the powerful voices and creative talent of our First Nations artists, and Worrall says he is grateful to the artists for their resilience and culture sharing. “Your stories, connection to Country and artistic brilliance have enriched our lives and deepened our understanding of Indigenous culture. It’s through your powerful narratives and captivating creativity that we can continue to forge stronger connections, and foster cultural appreciation.” Visit MAGNT by the saltwater on Larrakia Country to witness this year's incredible Telstra NATSIAA art works, carrying within them over 65,000 years of storytelling and culture from Australia's far corners.

2023 NATSIAA Winner, Keith Wikmunea, Ku’, Theewith & Kalampang: The White Cockatoo, Galah and the wandering Dog (detail), 2023. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Collection. Photo: MAGNT/Mark Sherwood

2023 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards WHEN UNTIL SUN 18 FEB, 2024 AT MAGNT INFO magnt.net.au/natsiaa

AROUND TOWN

Lasers, Liquid & Light

Aussie production company Oracle Liquid has a reputation for delivering breathtaking presentations across the globe, including backdropping a DJ set in Ibiza, launching Audi’s latest wheels in Italy, and wowing audiences at Sydney’s highly anticipated annual festival of light Vivid. It’s impressive stuff, folks, and it’s coming to Darwin. By Kate Conway

ARWIN WATERFRONT COMES alive, as Oracle Liquid’s exciting new three-show installation Liquid Light transforms the recreation lagoon in a vibrant multi-media extravaganza. Laser projections, water fountains, flames and animations are synchronised with up-beat, high energy music, to deliver a jaw-dropping audio-visual feast. Dianne Parris is Business Development Manager at Oracle Liquid and says they’ve been in talks to develop a Territory production since 2019. The 360-degree vista at the Waterfront means there won’t be a bad seat in the house. “We absolutely love the Darwin Waterfront, it’s just a perfect spot to do the type of shows that we do. You’ll be able to get a different view or perspective of it from where you’re standing or sitting, whether it’s up close or from far away,” she says. First cab of the rank is Saltwater Spectacular, a captivating welcome to the Darwin Waterfront featuring tunes from the Territory’s own Baker Boy and King Stingray, with a voiceover from Larrakia man and Chair of Darwin Waterfront Corporation Richard Fejo. Fejo also advised Oracle Liquid on the visuals used to showcase elements of Larrakia culture. In the lead up to Christmas Eve, Saltwater Spectacular makes way for jolly Christmas themed show, Christmas Cascades, the soundtrack getting a festive makeover with up-beat remixes of traditional carols.

By Tierney Seccull

STRIKE WHILE IT’S HOT If you’re keen to have a hoot out of the heat this Wet, make tracks to the air-conditioned comfort of Kingpin Darwin for some fun, not in the sun.

SINCE THROWING THE doors open in 2015, thousands of visitors have flocked to Kingpin to release the children – or the child within – into a world of fun. Much of the space is allocated to state-ofthe-art ten-pin bowling lanes, but you’ll also find laser tag, arcade games, virtual reality, table tennis, pool, and karaoke. Add to this an extensive food and bar menu, prizes and parties, and you have yourself a one-stop destination for a very good time. “I think it’s like a choose-your-own adventure,” says one adult punter, who goes by bowling name Gandalf. “You got the bar, you got the games, you got the bowling – you got it all here. If you want to have fun, it’s a place you can have fun, but each visit can be different depending on what you’re in the mood for.” Kingpin Darwin Venue Manager Bree Richards says there's something for all ages and ability levels. “Everyone is welcome to come along

As if the Waterfront’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks displays weren’t enough, the third and final show is timed to kick off the countdown to 2024, bringing in the new year in a blaze of pyrotechnics and lasers. Pretty speccy! “It’s entertaining, and something [Darwin audiences] may not have seen before. Think the Bellagio [in Las Vegas] there’s air shooters, flames and projections. There’s lots to see,” Parris says. “The colours and music, everything just goes together. Come down with your friends and family, have something to eat. It’s an attraction you’ll want to see more than once.” Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular WHEN SAT 25 NOV – SUN 10 DEC | 7.30PM, 8PM & 8.30PM Liquid Light Christmas Cascades WHEN THU 14 DEC – SUN 24 DEC | 7.30PM, 8PM & 8.30PM New Year’s Eve Festival - Liquid Light WHEN SUN 31 DEC | 7.30PM, 8PM & 8.30PM

AT COST INFO

DARWIN WATERFRONT FREE waterfront.nt.gov.au

and enjoy some good times at Kingpin. We take a lot of pride in being a venue that's all about inclusivity, catering for all age groups and a wide variety of interests,” she says. “Whether you’re big into the arcade gaming scene, fancy some good old fashioned competitive bowling or just want to chill with some friends and enjoy a tasty meal, Kingpin has got you covered.” The food menu features burgers, pizzas and salads, and if you’re not sure which foods to choose, you can sample a bit of everything from the small plates menu. Richards shares a couple of hot tips. “My personal favourite is the Smo’King Burger, as I love the theatrics of it being presented in a smoke-filled dome. I’m also partial to the donut fries when I’m feeling like something sweet, and the caramelised white and dark chocolate sauce is to die for. The fully stocked bar is also a great addition for when the adults get thirsty!”

The cocktail list entices with a range of concoctions to whet your whistle, such as the Honeycomb Butterfly and Pina Maca Colada, or if you’re on the wagon enjoy mocktails in espresso martini and passionfruit colada flavours. Take advantage of the Ultimate Holiday Pass these school holidays, including your choice of two activities, $20 to spend on food and drinks, $20 to drop on arcade games, plus 200 prize tickets. Nice one. If you’re looking to beat the heat this Wet, step into a world of air-conditioned wonder, and choose your own bespoke adventure that's right up your alley.

Ultimate Holiday Pass WHEN MON 11 DEC – FRI 2 FEB AT KINGPIN DARWIN COST $55 INFO kingpinplay.com

i l n e ’ SW e F

If there’s one thing we need in the tropical Top End, it’s a great big swimming pool, especially during the build-up and Wet season months we currently find ourselves in. In steamy times, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing dip! By Tierney Seccull

ELL, PALMERSTON RESIDENTS and beyond, all your Christmases are set to come at once as City of Palmerston officially opens its hotly anticipated, brand-spankin' new leisure centre.

SWELL – an apt acronym for Swimming, Wellness, Events, Leisure, Lifestyle – is an aquatic lifestyle precinct unlike any other in the Northern Territory, transforming the former Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre into an entirely new space since work began last year. This December the wait is both over and worth it, as the gates fling open with a huge opening fun day, just in time for the school holidays. The almost 20-million-dollar project is funded by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments, and City of Palmerston. Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell says the refreshed facility was created with all community members in mind. “We’ve got a splash and play area for the little kids, the 50-metre pool has been refurbished, and there’s an additional 20-metre heated pool which is suitable for things like swimming lessons and aqua aerobics. Everyone from a very young age right through the seniors can enjoy it.” The improved state-of-the-art facility features fully accessible changerooms, disabled ramps with access points to both pools, diving platforms, a basketball half court and shaded lawn areas. Adding to the buzz is a two-storey Adventure Aquatic play zone, the first of its kind in Australia, something the Palmerston Mayor says is sure to make a splash.

SWELL Official Opening WHEN SUN 17 DEC | 12-9PM AT SWELL, MOULDEN COST FREE INFO swellpalmerston.com.au

“It’s really exciting! You can run a two-level obstacle course, whilst wearing a harness, and it has wet elements to keep you cool, as well as cannons and buckets you can tip on yourself or your friends."

ELL

Heat in the Top End plays such a huge part of our lifestyle, heavily impacting how we spend our days and our money. The Palmerston Mayor says it’s important residents and visitors have access to affordable cooling spaces. “Having those facilities available means people have choices for leisure – not just being stuck at home in the air-conditioning or seeking shelter in the library or the shopping centre because it’s too hot. It gives people an opportunity to cool down and enjoy themselves, and it also provides a significant health benefit to the community.” That it does. Recent studies by the Commonwealth Government revealed that every dollar invested in local swimming pools saved taxpayers $14 in health costs down the track. And it’s not just about the physical health benefits, but the mental health benefits, too. If that wasn’t enough to get you reaching for the bathers, togs, swimmers or Budgie Smugglers, SWELL has placed a freeze on entry fees until the end of 2026, giving residents and visitors three years to use the facilities. For free. “Several years ago, we realised there was a section of our community that wasn’t able to access the [old] swimming pool because of the entry fee … Once we lifted the fee, we had three times the number of people using the facility,” Pascoe-Bell says. “We knew it was going to work as a free facility, and as it was open to everyone in the community, we could attract people who had never used the pool before.” With plenty of spaces to beat the heat, all beneath a million dollars of shade infrastructure, you’ll feel well at SWELL. Round up the crew and make a splash this tropical summer!

Karama Family Fun Fair

ivu t s s e F Join City of Darwin for the annual Karama Family Fun Fair. There's something for everyone, with face painting, local school performances, Christmas giveaways and activities, a visit from Santa, and much more.

Darwin’s Carols by Candlelight returns to bring festive cheer to the masses. Presenting four hours of festive frivolity performed by local vocalists, the Woolworths Christmas Choir and the Band of the first Brigade Army Band, it’s all topped off with a spectacular fireworks finale.

WHEN SUN 3 DEC | 4.30-8.30PM AT GEORGE BROWN BOTANIC GARDENS

COST INFO

all the way to K-town's annual community carols event. Featuring local performers, a visit from Santa and plenty of delicious food it’s just the thing to kick off the festive season. Get merry!

WHEN SAT 2 DEC | 5.30PM AT LINDSAY ST COMPLEX INFO katherine.nt.gov.au

TENNANT CREEK

DONATION facebook.com/

Tennant Creek Christmas Tree

carolsbycandlelightdarwin

FOR THE REST OF US It’s the most wonderful CITY OF DARWIN time of the year and there’s no shortage of Santa’s Village family-friendly fun right across the Territory. Check out our round-up of festive events near you and soak up this magical time of year. All free unless otherwise noted. Step into Santa’s Village and snag a snap with the jolly man himself – for free! Take your own personal photos with Santa using your own cameras or smart phones. City of Darwin's Fun Bus is also on hand with interactive activities for the kids. It's fabulous festive fun!

WHEN EVERY FRI & SAT, 1 – 9 DEC | DAILY 11-21 DEC

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 2-4PM AT KARAMA SHOPPING PLAZA INFO darwin.nt.gov.au Santa Fun on Wheels Do you own a bike, scooter, skates, unicycle or trike? Roll on down to this all-ages Santa Fun on Wheels event, starting and finishing at Nightcliff Pool, travelling via the foreshore to Rapid Creek bridge and back. Don't forget to wear your best Christmas outfit for the ride!

An Evening of Holiday Festivities Current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families are invited to decorate personalised tree ornaments before enjoying a delicious Christmas feast. Get into the holiday spirit surrounded by other veterans and their families.

WHEN TUE 12 DEC | 5.30-7.30PM AT MATES4MATES, STUART PARK

WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 5-6PM AT NIGHTCLIFF FORESHORE INFO darwin.nt.gov.au Nightcliff Carols by the Foreshore Get set for a magical night at Nightcliff Foreshore, as Darwin City Brass Band and special guests bring the spirit of Christmas to life through carols. Bring along the family, a picnic rug and your best singing voice. Ho, ho, hope you enjoy a festive eve of tunes!

INFO

mates4mates.org.au

PALMERSTON Christmas Craft Week Enjoy a jam-packed week of activities including a screening of classic Christmas movie Elf, an Auslan story time and DIY decorations and card making. Get festive!

WHEN MON 18 – THU 21 DEC WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 6.15-8PM AT NIGHTCLIFF FORESHORE INFO darwin.nt.gov.au

AT INFO

DARWIN

KATHERINE

Carols by Candlelight Annual festive spectacular, City of

Carols By Candlelight Round up the troops and jingle

Make Your Own Drawing Book Join artist Alison Worsnop to make a hard-back, hand-bound visual diary. Over three relaxed afternoon sessions, learn different methods of making books, how to cut, fold and stitch the pages, and create a cover.

Kids Holiday Sewing Club In this fun two-hour workshop, children learn how to sew two Christmas-themed projects. Aimed at children aged 10 and over, activities are adaptable to any holiday or theme, with alternative options available if non-observing of Christmas.

10-11AM PALMERSTON LIBRARY palmerston.nt.gov.au

(EXC. SUN 17) | 9.30AM-1PM

AT INFO

T R O SH nd a t e e Sw

DARWIN GALLERIA darwin.nt.gov.au

Did you know Darwin Adult Short Courses offers affordable recreational courses to adults and young people? Whether you're a grown-up or not, and want to learn a new language, get creative or improve those tech skills, DASC has you covered.

WHEN SAT 2, 9 & 16 DEC $265

WHEN SAT 2, 9 & 16 DEC AT INFO

1 NEMARLUK DRIVE, LUDMILLA adultshortcourses.com

tennantcreekchildrens christmastree

ALICE SPRINGS Christmas Carnival & Night Markets Pick-up last-minute gifts at the Todd Mall Markets, enjoy live entertainment across three stages and watch the highly anticipated Chamber Lawns Christmas tree lighting. Eat, drink and be merry!

WHEN FRI 8 DEC | 5-9PM AT TODD MALL INFO alicesprings.nt.gov.au

Get your kids into the festive spirit with this fun session that teaches little ones the basics of laser-cut art with a festive theme. They'll create several small items or gifts for themselves or others.

WHEN MON 18, TUE 19 & WED 20 DEC | 10AM-1PM

COST

$60

Kids Laser Cut Christmas Craft

School Holiday Pilates Children aged six and above can enjoy 45 minutes of Pilates in these fun sessions, guided through fun and functional movements to help build strength and flexibility. Come dressed in comfy clothes with a towel, water bottle and socks.

WHEN MON 18, TUE 19 & WED 20 DEC | 3-3.45PM

4-4.15PM

COST

$15

$60

WHEN MON 18, TUE 19 & WED 20 DEC | 10AM-12PM

Pilates for Adults Break up your weekend with a relaxing mid-afternoon stretching session. Learn how to move your body safely and functionally through a series of Pilates exercises in this friendly and fun class.

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 4.30-7PM AT TENNANT CREEK YOUTH CENTRE INFO facebook.com/

COST

1.30-4.30PM

COST

Tennant Creek’s highly anticipated community event is back for another year to bring the joy of Christmas. There’s special treats and a visit from Santa, plus two-and-a-half-hours of local performances and celebration.

COST

$15

SCHOOL’S Out!

City of Darwin has school holidays well and truly covered with a jam-packed program of fun, fun, fun. All events are free, and no bookings are required. Get amongst it! INFO

darwin.nt.gov.au

Summer Reading Club WHEN MON 18 DEC – MON 22 JAN AT CASUARINA, NIGHTCLIFF &

DARWIN INDOOR BEACH

bingo, and more.

VOLLEYBALL

Netball WHEN MON 15 JAN | 10AM-12PM AT MARRARA INDOOR STADIUM Video Gaming Tournament Challenge your mates in Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers with great prizes up for grabs.

WHEN THU 11 JAN | 2.30PM AT NIGHTCLIFF LIBRARY WHEN TUE 16 JAN | 2.30PM AT DARWIN CITY LIBRARY Weaving with Flowers and Fronds

Paw Patrol

WHEN SAT 13 JAN | 10AM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY Clay Creatures Create mythical, magical, scary or pretty creatures moulded out of clay in this two-hour workshop.

WHEN FRI 19 JAN | 10AM-12PM AT LYONS COMMUNITY CENTRE Paper Plane Competition

WHEN FRI 5 JAN | 1.30-2.30PM AT KARAMA LIBRARY

KARAMA LIBRARIES

Fun Bus The Fun Bus are experts in, you guessed it, fun! Offering activities for children aged up to 12-years-old, including getting up close to creepy crawlies and a good ol’ fashioned boogie, it’s buckets of fun.

WHEN EVERY WED, 3-24 JAN |

WHEN THU 18 JAN | 10AM AT DARWIN CITY LIBRARY Hotel Transylvania: Transformania WHEN TUE 23 JAN | 10AM AT NIGHTCLIFF LIBRARY

10AM-12PM

MALAK COMMUNITY CENTRE

Movies at the Library The Mummies WHEN THU 4 JAN | 10AM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles WHEN THU 11 JAN | 10AM AT KARAMA LIBRARY

Indoor Sports The friendly team from Fun in the Parks invites kids to get sporty. Squash WHEN FRI 5 JAN | 10AM-12PM AT DARWIN SQUASH CENTRE Indoor Volleyball WHEN MON 8 JAN | 10AM – 12PM

Recycling Fun Ever wondered what happens with the stuff you put in the yellow recycling bin? Join City of Darwin’s Waste Management team for fun informative activities and challenges to learn to find out what really happens to your plastic containers, glass bottles, cardboard, and cans.

In this session with local weaver Rosa, learn how to make woven masterpieces using flowers, palm fronds and fresh leaves.

WHEN FRI 12 JAN | 10AM-12PM AT DARRANDIRRA CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE

WHEN TUE 9 JAN | 2.30PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY WHEN THU 18 JAN | 2.30PM AT KARAMA LIBRARY Animal Education Learn about pet safety from City of Darwin’s Animal Management team. Activities include making cat teasers, snakes and ladders, doggy

WHEN FRI 19 JAN | 2.30PM AT DARWIN CITY LIBRARY Yoga Family Story Time Everyone is welcome at this fun, story time with yogi Sheila Rose. Learn yoga poses, breathing techniques and mindfulness as you listen along to the story. Come along and get bendy!

Learn how to fold an aerodynamic paper plane before putting it to the test. Whose plane will fly the furthest?

WHEN MON 22 JAN | 10AM-12PM AT DARRANDIRRA CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE

Summer Reading Club Party Celebrate with fellow reading club members, share your favourites and see which books were the most popular.

WHEN THU 25 JAN | 2.30PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY

LISTINGS

Festival of Us THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY event offers a jam-packed program of rich cultural entertainment and activities. Featuring dance performances, music from hip-hop artists J-Milla x Yung Milla, storytelling, delicious food and more. Head along and celebrate the Territory’s unique and multicultural lifestyle. WHEN AT COST INFO

Workshop Paint ’n’ Sip Join MAGNT for a fun two-hour paint ‘n’ sip session. Relax and unwind with a cheeky bev and delicious finger food, and learn basic painting skills to create a unique work of art.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 1 DEC | 6-8.30PM MAGNT

INFO

facebook.com/ toomuchstuffdarwin

Talk | Transformations Join MAGNT Curator Emeritus of Molluscs, Dr Richard Willan, to explore one of MAGNT’s best-loved permanent galleries, the Natural History Gallery.

$60 magnt.net.au

Vinnies Christmas Hampers

WHEN TUE 5 DEC | 11AM-12PM AT MAGNT COST FREE | BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED

INFO

St Vincent de Paul Society NT is calling out for donations for hampers. If you can afford to put your hand in your pocket to make someone's Christmas brighter, please take your kindly donated items to your local Vinnies Store.

magnt.net.au

Bath Bombs & Body Scrubs Workshop Mates4Mates is a veteran charity supporting current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families. Join the Mates4Mates team to create a relaxing assortment of bath bombs and coffee body scrubs in this one-hour workshop.

WHEN AT COST INFO

TUE 5 DEC | 1-2PM

THU 14 DEC

AT COST INFO

NT VINNIES STORES FREE vinnies.org.au

Christmas in Bloom – Botanical Art Workshop Embark on an enchanting journey through the Top End's festive summer flora and discover the fabulous world of botanical art in this two-day watercolour painting workshop with artist Anastasia Maximova.

WHEN SAT 2 & SUN 3 DEC 9.30AM-4.30PM

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST INFO

$250 yourcentre.com.au

Too Much Stuff It’s the last chance of 2023 to check out this outdoor recycling upcycling flea market, where you can offload items you no longer need or pick up a bargain.

WHEN SUN 3 DEC | 9AM-12PM AT ALAWA HALL COST FREE

Creative Christmas Luncheon Join Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre for a casual end-of-year celebration and buffet lunch. Take a sneak peek at the new amphitheatre, browse the retail store and mingle with the team over a delicious meal.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 8 DEC | 12-2PM GYRACC FREE

adcnt.org.au

WHEN THU 14 DEC | 4.30-5.15PM AT PALMERSTON RECREATION

Smoking Ceremony Head to Darwin Waterfront lagoon this Australia Day for a range of cultural activities including a traditional Smoking Ceremony, an ancient cultural practice to cleanse the soul and raise spirits.

CENTRE

COST INFO

FREE palmerston.nt.gov.au

Naughty or Nice: A Christmas Murder Mystery Ho, ho, ho-dunnit? Journey to Santa's workshop, where Christmas cheer meets a chilling mystery. Unearth your inner detective and uncover the secrets at this Christmas murder mystery. With prizes for best dressed and bottomless pizza included with your ticket it’s a night of festive frivolity and fun.

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE

COST INFO

GOLD COIN DONATION adcnt.org.au

WHEN FRI 26 JAN | 7.45-8.30AM AT DARWIN WATERFRONT

WHEN AT COST INFO

THE LAST SUPPER $60 facebook.com/

Movement Medicine WHEN EVERY SUN (EXC SUN 31 DEC & SUN 7 JAN) | 10-11.30AM

COST INFO

FREE

8-8.45AM

AT COST

DARWIN SKI CLUB $5

Outdoor Bootcamp WHEN EVERY MON (EXC. PUB HOLS) 5-5.45PM

BASKETBALL COURTS, ATKINS DRIVE

COST

adcnt.org.au

PALMERSTON LIBRARY Late Nights at the Library Enjoy these fun and relaxed get togethers designed for adults. Help solve a chilling, whodunnit mystery, or get crafty at a resin earring making workshop in cahoots with Tactile Arts. WHEN FRI 1 & 15 DEC | 6-7.30PM

NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE

COST INFO

Aqua HIIT WHEN EVERY SAT (EXC. 23 & 30 DEC)

Bootcamp WHEN MON 4 & 11 DEC, MON 8 JAN 5.15-6PM

AT COST

MALAK HARMONY HALL $5

SAT 16 DEC | 6-9PM

thelastsupperdarwin

Zumba Mash-up WHEN THU 7 & 14 DEC | 6.15-7PM AT MALAK HARMONY HALL COST $5

LAGOON

palmerston.nt.gov.au

MATES4MATES, STUART PARK mates4mates.org.au

TERRITORY NETBALL STADIUM FREE

Connect with like-minded young people on issues that are important to the next-gen at the last Youth Media Team meet up for the year.

FREE

WHEN DONATIONS ACCEPTED ‘TIL

FRI 26 JAN | 11AM-8PM

$20

Code Club WHEN SAT 2 & SAT 9 DEC

facebook.com/

10AM-1PM

movementmedicinedarwin

Tiny Tots Playgroup Connect with fellow young families at this free weekly playgroup for children aged six months to four years..

Gadgets and Games WHEN TUE 5 & TUE 12 DEC 3.30-4.30PM

HEALTHY DARWIN darwin.nt.gov.au

gyracc.org.au

RED CENTRE Summer 5K Sunday Series Join Alice Springs Running and Walking Club (ASRWC) for their Summer 5K Trail Running Sunday Series. It's a great way to get a taste of the trails, enjoy some company, get a PB or just have a great time running or walking. Hit the dirt with like-minded peeps in the cooler early morning hours and get moving.

WHEN SUN 3 & 10 DEC | 6.15AM AT ALICE SPRINGS TELEGRAPH STATION

COST INFO

$15 | $7 CHILD | FREE MEMB asrwc.com.au

WHEN EVERY MON 4-18 DEC Ghost Net Flasks Join artist Aly de Groot for this two-session weaving workshop. Inspired by a European Wicker Demijohns – a glass vessel enclosed in wickerwork – learn to prepare fibres from repurposed ghost nets for weaving to make a hanging plant holder or water bottle carrier.

WHEN TUE 12 & WED 13 DEC 5-8PM

AT COST INFO

TACTILE ART STUDIOS $200 | $185 MEMB tactilearts.org.au

City of Palmerston Youth Media Team

9-11AM

THE QUARTER, CASUARINA

Mums & Bubs Pilates WHEN EVERY WED (EXC. 20 DEC –

SQUARE

COST INFO

FREE casuarinasquare.com.au

OZ Run Lace up your trainers and start Australia Day bright and early at the OZ Run fun run. Festivities kick off with a Zumba warm-up and Welcome to Country before hitting the concrete to walk, run or push a pram through either a two-and-ahalf, or five-kilometre course.

WHEN FRI 26 JAN | 6.30-8AM

3 JAN) | 10-11AM

AT COST

RICH LIFE HEALTH & FITNESS $5

Seniors Aqua Aerobics WHEN EVERY WED (EXC. 20 DEC – 3 JAN) | 12-12.45PM

AT COST

NT SWIM SCHOOL $5

Zumba WHEN WED 6 & 13 DEC, WED 31 JAN

Mparntwe Blak Business Twilight Markets Polish off your pressie shopping and peruse unique gifts from a range of Indigenous-owned businesses including art, fashion, jewellery, bush foods, skin products and personalised gifts. With live music and children's entertainment, soak up the festive atmosphere and support local this Christmas.

WHEN THU 7 DEC | 5.30-9PM AT ALICE SPRINGS PLAZA,

6.15-7PM

AT COST

MALAK HARMONY HALL $5

TODD MALL

COST INFO

FREE facebook.com/ntibn

FOOD & DRINK By Tierney Seccull

THAT'S THE

Spirit

YOU MAY KNOW him from Dom’s Bar in Nightcliff, but this new distillery located in Coconut Grove is the true passion and longtime vision of Dom Wundke.

The Top End’s hospo scene has gone gangbusters over the past few years, with bespoke bars and restaurants popping up from the CBD to the ‘burbs. And although options to stock venues with locally crafted spirits and beers was once scarce, these days, there’s plenty of local to love. Speargrass Distillery is the latest spirit crafting facility to join the ranks.

“When I was 18, I was hitchhiking around eastern Europe and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I ended up working in a small village making rakija, which is like the national drink of Serbia, on their copper wood-fired two-hundred-litre still, a beautiful old machine … It was nearly 500-years-old, continuously repaired, so I had the opportunity to learn how to distil on that,” he says. “I realised what a spirit is, that it has a connection to a place and the flavours that come from that place – what fruits and grain and ingredients are available to make spirits with.” As well as showcasing native flavours, Darwin’s newest distiller appreciates the ceremony of coming together to share a tipple. “It’s this whole social system around it, of bringing people together, it’s about community, you know? That's what rakija is for eastern Europe but it’s the same all over the world, like tequila is the spirit of Mexico, the spirit of Jalisco. I was blown away by all of that.” After his stint in Europe, Dom returned to his then home of Adelaide and his environmental science degree, where he studied botany and geology

OFF THE LEASH

Cocktail 10

WE'VE TEAMED UP with Dom's Bar & Lounge on a special Off The Leash cocktail to celebrate 2023, which features on their Cocktail of the Month menu throughout December. Curated by Bar Manager and mix master Beau Chirgwin-Schmidt, it celebrates the Territory, with tropical mango flavours from the Top End and hot chilli to represent the heat of the desert. Head into Dom's and give it a try or mix one up yourself at home. It's the perfect concoction this festive season.

whilst working in the wine industry. These experiences combined with his time overseas planted the seed for Speargrass, arming him with the know-how and passion required to take the leap. “What Speargrass is all about is what the plant is all about. It’s integral to all the seasons up here. It dries out at the end of the Wet, through the Dry it burns and, at various stages, spear grass controls the temperature and the speed in which fire moves through the landscape,” Dom says. The Darwin-based distillery celebrates the region of northern Australia, from Queensland to Western Australia, featuring botanicals found in this area. “There are so many native flavours to explore, and then we have this proximity to Asia. At the Rapid Creek Markets, we’ve got all these amazing flavours – we’ve got dragonfruit, lemongrass – we want to use all of that.” With plans to launch an online shop for retail sales very soon, you can sample first cab off the rank, Speargrass Vodka, at plenty of hot spots around town. You can even find it at Dom’s Bar throughout December in a special Off The Leash cocktail called the Tropical Desert. Cin-cin!

INFO

speargrassdistillery.com | instagram.com/speargrassdistillery

MAKE YOUR OWN

TROPICAL

Desert

Rim a short glass with all‑spice and rock salt. Pour 45ml of Speargrass Vodka, 20ml chilli-infused sugar syrup, 25ml mango nectar, 10ml lime juice. Top with ice, a dash of soda water, and garnish with a burnt chilli. Enjoy!

Photo: Oliver Eclipse

CHEW THE FAT with GREAT DESERT COOKS

Spend an hour in the kitchen with five extraordinary home cooks of Central Australia. By Betty Sweetlove

BRAND NEW VIA 8CCC Community Radio this summer is Great Cooks of the Desert. This heartwarming podcast takes the listener into five different desert kitchens for nourishing conversations about food, family and culture. Each stand-alone episode introduces a different cook as they prepare something delicious from their repertoire. Giving a taste of what’s cooking behind kitchen doors across Central Australia, these conversations also tackle the big questions underpinning life in the desert. “The underlying question is what are you doing here, and why do people choose to live here.” says series producer and director, Rita Cattoni. The project saw Cattoni searching for extra-special culinary stories

amongst the region’s diverse communities. “We’ve all got quite wide circles of friends, so whenever I’d meet anybody, I’d talk about the project and ask them if they knew anybody who was doing any interesting food.” Following the Central Australian grapevine led Cattoni to a series of far-reaching conversations, from discussing kangaroo salami with local artisan James Young, to hunting goanna with senior Warlpiri woman Yamurna Oldfield. “I definitely wasn’t looking for professional cooks, I was looking for people who are really good home cooks, and that each person has a story to tell or represents a particular demographic of central Australia,” Cattoni says. A conversation with health worker Flora Mpofu turns to Zimbabwean wedding celebration dishes, while cattle station manager Rebecca Cadzow shares her cheese-making tips. In the final episode, local poet and

media manager Laurie May explores the vital importance of locally grown produce. “Every person and every story is there to represent a different part of life in Central Australia, and what I’m really trying to do is present a positive perspective on life.” With a potential expansion of the show into TV, Cattoni is on the lookout for the next desert cooks with a great story to share. “I’m looking for some new stories – I’m looking for someone I’d consider a young tradie, who maybe goes out camping and does a lot of crazy cooking.” If you’re a food lover, or simply seeking a delightful companion to a long summer road trip, head to the 8CCC website to stream each mouth-watering episode. Listeners can even bring some desert goodness into their own kitchens, exploring Cattoni’s website for recipes from each episode.

Great Cooks of the Desert INFO 8ccc.com.au | cattoni.com.au

Wed

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Mon

HAPPY

New Year

Sun

26 First Sunday Blues

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

Thu

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 8 Animal Education

1 Tue

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

Fri

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Weaving with Flowers and Fronds 27 Fridays @ Dom’s 27 Weekends at Willing

2 Wed

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Fun Bus

See Around Town 8

Calendar JANUARY 2024

See Music 26

10 4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Fun Bus 9 Mums & Bubs Pilates 9 Seniors Aqua Aerobics

Thu

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 The Mummies

Sat

8 Yoga Family Story Time

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Aqua HIIT 27 Weekends at Willing

Fri

Sun

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Squash 8 Video Gaming Tournament 27 Weekends at Willing

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

4 Telstra NATSIAA 9 Movement Medicine

Sat

4 Telstra NATSIAA

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Aqua HIIT 27 Weekends at Willing

Mon

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Indoor Volleyball 9 Outdoor Bootcamp 9 Bootcamp

See Around Town 5

Tue

Mon

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Recycling Fun

See Feature 4

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Netball 9 Outdoor Bootcamp

Fri

16 Sat

17 Sun

6 SWELL Official Opening

Sat

22 Too Bloody Hot! (last chance)

See Around Town 5

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

27 Weekends at Willing

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Movement Medicine

Fri

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 7 Santa’s Village 7 Santa Fun on Wheels 7 Nightcliff Carols 7 Make Your Own Drawing Book 7 Pilates for Adults 9 Naughty or Nice 27 Weekends at Willing

See Music 27

Sun Christmas Eve

See Around Town 6

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades

Sat

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Movement Medicine

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

27 Weekends at Willing

18 Mon

Sun

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 7 Santa’s Village 7 Christmas Craft Week 7 Kid’s Holiday Sewing Club 7 Kids Laser Cut Christmas Craft 7 School Holiday Pilates 8 Summer Reading Club (starts) 9 Tiny Tots Playgroup 9 Outdoor Bootcamp

See Around Town 5

5 New Year’s Eve Festival Liquid Light

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

Tue

Mon

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 7 Christmas Craft Week 7 Kid’s Holiday Sewing Club 7 Kids Laser Cut Christmas Craft 7 School Holiday Pilates

CHRISTMAS DAY

MERRY

Christmas

Wed

Tue

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 7 Christmas Craft Week 7 Kid’s Holiday Sewing Club 7 Kids Laser Cut Christmas Craft 7 School Holiday Pilates

BOXING DAY

Time for the cricket, leftovers and an afternoon kip!

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thu

Wed

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 7 Christmas Craft Week

OTL Christmas Cracker #2

What do you call a penguin in the Red Centre desert?

offtheleash.net.au

AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts Visual Arts Food & Drink Music FESTIVALS explore

Thu 21 Dec – Mon 15 Jan

Off The Leash is closed for a break!

Answer: Lost!

See Visual Arts 22

22 Thu

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 22 48th Katherine Prize (last chance) 27 Fridays @ Dom’s 27 Bella Maree 27 Weekends at Willing

28 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

OTL Christmas Cracker #3

Answer: Bison.

What did the buffalo say when his son left?

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 27 Fridays @ Dom’s 27 Bella Maree 27 Weekends at Willing

Although all care is taken to ensure information in Off The Leash is correct, it is subject to change. Not all events can be listed on this calendar, so we recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates.

Fri

Answer: Picking his nose.

Sun

See Performing Arts 21

21 Alice in Wonderland

Fri

2 Sat

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 7 Make Your Own Drawing Book 7 Pilates for Adults 7 Santa’s Village 7 Carols by Candlelight 9 Christmas in Bloom 21 Romeo & Juliet: Star-crossed lovers 21 Picturesque 21 Over the Rainbow 26 Beyond the Build-Up

3 Sun

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 9 Christmas in Bloom 9 Too Much Stuff 9 Movement Medicine 9 Summer 5K Sunday Series 21 Over the Rainbow 26 First Sunday Blues 26 Sunday Reggae Session

See Around Town 7

Wed

See Performing Arts 21

Mon

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 9 Tiny Tots Playgroup 9 Outdoor Bootcamp 9 Bootcamp

See Performing Arts 19

Tue

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 9 Talk | Transformations 9 Bath Bombs & Body Scrubs Workshop 9 Gadgets and Games 26 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

See Around Town 7

Thu

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 9 Vinnies Christmas Hampers 9 City of Palmerston Youth Media Team 9 Zumba Mash-up

19 Cosentino: Decennium

Wed

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 9 Mums & Bubs Pilates 9 Seniors Aqua Aerobics 9 Zumba 18 Darwin Airport Resort Opens 26 Darwin City Brass Band Learners Classes 27 Wednesday Night Swing

Sat

7 Tennant Creek Christmas Tree

Fri

5 Liquid Light Christmas Cascades 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 9 Late Nights at the Library 19 Cosentino: Decennium 27 Fridays @ Dom’s 27 Bella Maree 27 Weekends at Willing

9 Tue

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 9 Ghost Net Flasks 9 Mums & Bubs Pilates 9 Seniors Aqua Aerobics 9 Zumba 27 Wednesday Night Swing

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 7 An Evening of Holiday Festivities 9 Ghost Net Flasks 9 Gadgets and Games 26 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 7 Santa’s Village 7 Karama Family Fun Fair 7 Make Your Own Drawing Book 7 Pilates for Adults 21 Speak Life 22 Iconic Member Show (last chance) 26 Kitty Bang Christmas Cabaret

Mon

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 7 Santa’s Village 9 Tiny Tots Playgroup 9 Outdoor Bootcamp 9 Bootcamp

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 7 Santa’s Village 7 Christmas Carnival & Night Markets 9 Creative Christmas Luncheon 27 Fridays @ Dom’s 27 Bella Maree 27 Weekends at Willing

7 Carols by Candlelight

Calendar DECEMBER 2023

1 Thu

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 7 Santa’s Village 9 Workshop Paint ‘n’ Sip 9 Late Nights at the Library 19 Troy Kinne – Made Wrong 21 Rhubarb 21 Romeo & Juliet: Star-crossed lovers 21 Alice in Wonderland 26 Post Punked 27 Live on the Lawns

7 5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 9 Zumba Mash-up 9 Blak Business Twilight Market

OTL Christmas Cracker #1 What was the snowman doing in the veggie patch?

10 21 Ready Set Rock

5 Liquid Light Saltwater Spectacular 9 Movement Medicine 9 Summer 5K Sunday Series 21 Speak Life

16 22

Tue

OTL Editorial Assistant applications close today! 4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Animal Education

Mon

Sun

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Summer Reading Club (last chance) 8 Paper Plane Competition 9 Outdoor Bootcamp

28 4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Movement Medicine

17 Wed

Tue

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Fun Bus 9 Mums & Bubs Pilates 9 Seniors Aqua Aerobics

23 Mon

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Outdoor Bootcamp

18 24

Thu

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Paw Patrol 8 Recycling Fun

Wed

Tue

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Fun Bus 9 Mums & Bubs Pilates 9 Seniors Aqua Aerobics

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

19 Fri

26 The Teskey Brothers

Thu

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Weaving with Flowers and Fronds 8 Clay Creatures 27 Fridays @ Dom’s 27 Weekends at Willing

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Summer Reading Club Party

See Around Town 9

9 Seniors Aqua Aerobics

See Music 26

See Around Town 9

Wed

SCHOOL’S BACK! All the best for a great year 4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Mums & Bubs Pilates 9 Zumba

Sat

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Aqua HIIT 27 Weekends at Willing

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Fri

Sun

9 Movement Medicine

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

See Explore 18

See Around Town 9

Sat

18 Darwin Airport Resort

9 Festival of Us

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Aqua HIIT 27 Weekends at Willing

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 OZ Run 9 Smoking Ceremony 27 Fridays @ Dom’s

AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts Visual Arts Food & Drink Music FESTIVALS explore

offtheleash.net.au

Wed

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Mon

HAPPY

New Year

Sun

26 First Sunday Blues

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

Thu

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 8 Animal Education

1 Tue

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

Fri

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Weaving with Flowers and Fronds 27 Fridays @ Dom’s 27 Weekends at Willing

2 Wed

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Fun Bus

See Around Town 8

Calendar JANUARY 2024

See Music 26

10 4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Fun Bus 9 Mums & Bubs Pilates 9 Seniors Aqua Aerobics

Thu

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 The Mummies

Sat

8 Yoga Family Story Time

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Aqua HIIT 27 Weekends at Willing

Fri

Sun

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Squash 8 Video Gaming Tournament 27 Weekends at Willing

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass

4 Telstra NATSIAA 9 Movement Medicine

Sat

4 Telstra NATSIAA

5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 9 Aqua HIIT 27 Weekends at Willing

Mon

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Indoor Volleyball 9 Outdoor Bootcamp 9 Bootcamp

See Around Town 5

See Feature 4

Tue

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Recycling Fun

Mon

4 Telstra NATSIAA 5 Kingpin Ultimate Holiday Pass 8 Netball 9 Outdoor Bootcamp

EXPLORE Dive into

Darwin Airport Resort

Remember the days when you could nip to Bali on a Friday night and be back in time for work on Tuesday? Things have changed a bit since then. But if you’re partial to a sneaky sojourn across the sea – with pool time, book time, beer time – then you are in for a treat, no passport required. By Tierney Seccull

ARWIN AIRPORT RESORT has undergone extensive works over the past two years to transform the Mercure and Novotel hotels. Existing rooms have been refurbished, and new pool villas, suites and bungalows have been built, but it’s the outdoor area that has seen the largest transformation. The Mercure and Novotel hotels have been linked by a huge lagoon style swimming pool, centralised reception area, bar and café, smack bang between them where a road used to be. The $30m project celebrates our tropical climate and rich First Nations history, and flips on its head the very idea of what an airport hotel can be.

“There’s a project we are undergoing called the Gurambai trail, which is the Rapid Creek area that runs through the airport grounds … local Indigenous tour guides can offer our guests a bit of an experience by sharing their connection to the land and the cultural significance of the space,” Chaffe says.

“Airport hotels sometimes have a bit of a feeling about being a pitstop, but what we’re doing now is creating this great leisure destination,” says Chris Chaffe, Darwin Airport Resort General Manager.

A huge drawcard of the transformation is the outdoor leisure area, the 65-metre pool the largest you’ll find in any hotel in Australia. With an aquatic playground for the little ones, a cocktail bar, sunken lounges, a spa, poolside cabanas and wheelchair access, it offers everyone a spot to soak and relax.

“It's also great for our corporate guests, because of its location, but for leisure guests coming into the Territory, they’ve got a place to come and stay, and to relax.”

Hotel pools are typically for the use of staying guests only and not for the general public, but there’s great news for locals keen to slip into relaxation mode without booking a room.

Many travellers to the Territory seek an authentic cultural experience, and central to improvements at Darwin Airport Resort was a connection to First Nations culture.

A $30 pre-paid card gives you access to the area which is fully redeemable on food and beverages – a couple of cocktails ought to knock that over. But if you long for a holiday, forget flights and passports, Darwin Airport Resort offers locals deals for families and couples, even the family pet!

“Our focus on Indigenous tourism and connection to Country is part of our soul and DNA in all that we are doing here. I think, a lot of us in tourism, we need to showcase and be proud of where we are and enhance it for our guests, I think it’s really important,” Chaffe says.

A striking element of the redevelopment is large-scale murals, including the painting of the water tower by Larrakia artist Tony Lee. Art is one example of how culture is reflected throughout the precinct.

Dive into sweet new depths and unwind in this tropical Territory oasis.

WHEN OPENS WED 6 DEC INFO darwinairporthotels.com.au

PERFORMING ARTS

agic M AN M

Cosentino: Decennium - The Greatest Hits Tour WHEN THU 14 & FRI 15 DEC | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $65-$190 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Thanks for chatting with me, Cos. Can you tell us a little bit about your show, Decennium? It’s very exciting. It’s the greatest hits tour, so it’s the best of my best all put together into one 90-minute spectacular. And it’s also a decade, taking the best material from my first television special in 2012 and international TV shows. It’s really difficult to try and pick ... you’ve got to have this beautiful kind of equilibrium and balance in order to keep the audience entertained, so it was quite challenging to decide what made the cut. I think the dream for many an artist is to be able to have a greatest hits tour, so huge congrats on that! [laughs] Oh, thank you! And I bet you had your work cut out for you? How did you choose? Yeah, I went through all my tours that I’d done in the past … For me, obviously I create the magic and the art, but what brings it to life is having an audience. The reason I’m saying this is, in order to be a great magician, you've got to be a great listener. You’ve got to listen to your audience. Based on that, over the years, I’ve been able to work out what hits for me and what doesn’t, and therefore what produces the best result, whatever it may be, so that’s how I came up with what I was putting in the show.

Photo: James Geer

Well, we’re very grateful that you are coming to visit us. Oh, we love Darwin. We’ve been there a number of times in the past, and the audiences are always so responsive and appreciative, it's a lot of fun.

It was 2011 Cosentino cast his spell upon the country, bursting onto our television screens for Australia’s Got Talent with his unique style, high energy moves and trickery. Despite challenges he faced as a child, a self-confessed introvert that suffered at the hands of bullies, Cos, as he likes to be called, defied the odds and the naysayers to become Australia's most celebrated illusionist. Tierney Seccull caught up with him for a chat.

You’re right, Cos, we're a very yes crowd in the NT, happy to give anything a crack! [laughs] It is! I started regional touring in 2005 … and stopped around 2010 to tour nationally, which is the five major capitals. I said to management at the time it didn’t feel like a national tour, it just felt like I went to five major capitals. I’ve always believed that if you’re going to tour, and you’re touring the country, that you get out there and you tour the country. You bring it to people! Absolutely. I’m keen to know what drew you to magic in the first place? How the heck did this all happen? I know, I know. Shy kid, really introverted believe it or not, low self-esteem, learning difficulties, I didn’t learn to read ‘til I was 12. My

mum was a school principal and thought her kid was “really bright”, but people said “nah, he’s actually not, he’s not that bright”. She’d take me to the library and I’d always pick the picture books because I couldn't read. I came across this book that had these old Vaudevillian pictures and posters … They pre-date comic books but are hand-illustrated, so they look like comic books. I’m just intrigued, all these magical things happening in the posters, goblins and skulls. My mum saw me with the book and came over, and I pointed to a picture of this guy with handcuffs and chains, he was just staring down the barrel of the camera. I asked, "who’s that?” and Mum said “that’s Houdini” … We borrowed the book, and she read all these stories of great magicians to me. But, in the book, there were magic tricks. This predates [social media], so to learn tricks, you had to learn through a book. And that required discipline, my mother sitting with me, analysing each word and breaking it down, and looking at the illustrations. Through this process I learned to read, but I also gained a unique skill – magic. For a kid where the world was problematic, where you’re bullied and picked on, and you’re considered dumb ... I grasped onto things like making a coin appear out of thin air, I learned how to eat fire, my mother let me do all these things! That empowers a child, and that’s how it started. As an adult, it’s not about that anymore, it’s about the audience and how they feel … But I hope people come away from the show feeling inspired. Wow. The impact of that self-belief for a kid is huge. I guess you’ve kind of flipped the bird to the naysayers in the grandest yet gracious way. Have you got anything planned while you’re in the Top End? Ah, it’s such a shame. We come in the day before, bump into the theatre, we spend the whole day in the theatre and do the show, and the next day, you know what I’ll get to do? I’ll get to have breakfast! It’s such a tight ship. Ah, that is a shame, because we have The Cage of Death up here which I think has your name on it! I know, I know – every time I’ve been, I haven’t had the chance. But I still can’t wait to be in Darwin!

Photo: Paz Tassone

2023 NT Performing Arts Awards Winners

SHINING Territory

Outstanding Performer Award Tara Murphy Young Achiever Award Spillett Outstanding Creative Award James Mangohig (Kuya James) Behind the Scenes Award Tomm Lydiard Legend Award Dr Shellie Morris AO and Sean Pardy Inspiration Award Nikki Jeffries Best Performance Award Hymns for the Witching Hour Impact Award Zoe Scrogings People's Choice Award Tara Murphy

THE NT PERFORMING Arts Awards celebrates and acknowledges those from our local performing arts sector, from performers and musicians to technical crew and arts managers. Back for a fourth year, the 2023 awards received more than 70 nominations with 25 shortlisted as finalists. This year’s creative cohort was recently unveiled at a special awards soirée in Darwin. Judges included Darwin Festival Artistic Director Kate Fell and Arts Hub National Performing Arts Editor Richard Watts, who says he is blown away by the talent the Territory produces.

Embrace Your WRONGNESS

“Being a judge has been educational, illuminating, and honestly, slightly frustrating because I simply can’t get up to the Northern Territory as often as I’d like to experience more such work firsthand.” Congratulations to all winners, finalists and creative Territorians. Keep telling your stories!

By Kate Conway

As the adage goes, nobody is perfect. We’ve all got things we wish we could change about ourselves. It’s a concept Aussie comedian Troy Kinne explores in his new show, Made Wrong. OVER ONE HOUR of stand-up, Kinne boldly (over)shares things that are “wrong” with him to help the audience leave feeling better about their own shortcomings. You might remember Kinne from his hit TV shows, Kinne Tonight and Kinne, featuring comic skits written, directed and performed by the comedian. His shows went on to earn him a Logie nomination in 2015, and he’s been a regular fixture on the small screen ever since. These days, he can be found making waves on social media, where his relatable viral videos amass millions of views and poke fun at everyday interactions. “I love finding those little things that aren’t obvious, that make people realise, 'Oh, am I not the only one that does that?’,” he says.

“Several visits to Darwin ... in no way prepared me for the richness, rigour and passion of the works I was exposed to as a judge in this year’s Northern Territory Performing Arts Awards,” he says.

“Those little behaviours that we

aren’t necessarily proud of, I love pointing out how ridiculous we can act as human beings and shining a light on that behaviour.” From medical ailments to relationship tiffs, and lamenting not being able to keep up with technology, nothing is off limits. “Some of them are downright embarrassing, to be honest! Once you get it out there, it takes away its power ... Seeing the audience laugh at it makes me feel okay about it. It’s not something that makes people go ‘ew’, it’s just something that people find amusing,” he says. “You realise there’s bigger things in life to worry about. It’s very therapeutic for me doing the show, and I hope it encourages people to do the same. I think what I do is prove that – once you embrace your wrongness and get it out there – you’re sort of a bit unstoppable.”

Throughout the show, Kinne calls on the audience for examples of their own imperfections, but it’s not the type of comedy show where you need to be scared to sit front row. "I realise that, in that room, we’re all friends. It's not me picking on anyone, it’s just me asking for examples and it’s very fun. It's like we’re all in my lounge room!” For a laughter-filled night of relatable humour, embrace your wrongness with Troy Kinne.

Troy Kinne – Made Wrong WHEN FRI 1 DEC | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST INFO

$46 yourcentre.com.au

LISTINGS

WHEN SAT 2 DEC, 5PM SUN 3 DEC, 3PM

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST INFO

$40 | $30 CHILD (3-12) yourcentre.com.au

Speak Life Through intricate choreography, Royal Existence Dance Academy dancers embody the essence of compassion and kindness, using their movements to convey messages of encouragement, resilience, and love. You’re invited to witness the transformative power encouraging and uplifting words can have.

WHEN SAT 9 & SUN 10 DEC | 6PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST

$49 | $45 MEMB | $40 CONC $39 CHILD (2-12)

Ella Hooper

JOIN THE PARTY AT

Araluen

Rhubarb Rhubarb is a small girl who runs away to join the circus, armed with her violin and a Vegemite sandwich. But is it everything she dreamed it would be? Join Slide Youth Dance Theatre for this interactive and immersive performance, and immerse yourself in a wonderful world of curiosity, adventure and mayhem.

WHEN FRI 1 DEC | 10AM & 6PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST INFO

Hoodoo Gurus

Araluen Arts Centre, the beating heart of the Araluen Cultural Precinct on Arrernte Country, is turning 40 in 2024! By Betty Sweetlove

BACK IN THE late-70s, the community of Central Australia successfully campaigned for a dedicated arts venue to be built in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Opening in 1984, Araluen Arts Centre has been a state-of-theart hub for performance, exhibitions and awards ceremonies ever since. With the official 2024 program still under wraps, Director Felicity Green gives some sneak previews into the exciting year ahead for Centralian audiences. “It’s our 40th anniversary, so we’re going to try and do some special things,” she says. “We’ve got an extraordinary line up next year, lots of contemporary dance ... The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, three film festivals – The Oceans Film Festival, Flickerfest and Banff Film Festival – and some great music coming including Hoodoo Gurus, Ella Hooper and Vika and Linda Bull.” As well as enjoying a stunning line up, arts lovers can also get involved

in Araluen by becoming a member. Membership is just $50 for the year and includes a host of cheeky discounts on tickets, drinks and retail. The perfect gift that keeps on giving this holiday season, members can also opt-in to join the Friends of Araluen. A dedicated group of fundraisers and organisers, The Friends acquire artworks and support the vibrant arts community of Central Australia. “Araluen was built by the people, in many ways, for the people. The community agitated to have it built 40 years ago, and it’s a way of making sure that we keep on the right track, being a part of the Friends of Araluen,” says Green. Gift a membership this holiday season and raise a glass to 40 years of artistic excellence in the Centre. We can’t wait to celebrate Araluen Arts Centre in 2024!

INFO

araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

$15-$35

FRI 1 & SAT 2 DEC | 7PM BROWN’S MART THEATRE

yourcentre.com.au

Ready Set Rock The littlest dancers, aged two to five, from Royal Existence Dance Academy take to the stage in this sweet end-of-year concert. Older students also present entertaining solos and group routines throughout the program, to demonstrate what could be in store for the little twinkle toes down the track. Super cute!

WHEN SUN 10 DEC | 10AM-12PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

yourcentre.com.au

Romeo & Juliet: Star-crossed lovers Darwin Theatre Company presents William Shakespeare’s classic tale Romeo and Juliet with an intergalactic twist. This time, the age-old story of love versus conflict is not set on earth, or even in our universe. As two worlds collide – one from the past and one from the future – the young star-crossed lovers set out to see if love can save the multiverse.

WHEN AT COST INFO

INFO

CENTRE

COST info

$39-$49 yourcentre.com.au

RED CENTRE Alice in Wonderland Don’t be late for this very important date, as dancers from Studio B School of Dance present Lewis Carrol’s beloved classic, Alice in Wonderland. Showcasing acrobatics, ballet, contemporary and more, journey down the rabbit hole in this magical performance, with Alice, in Alice.

$15-$35 brownsmart.com.au

Picturesque The talented dancers of Studio 27 Dance Co embody the whimsy, magic and theatre of movies and musicals of the past, bringing the glamour and timeless nostalgia through their renditions of classic and modern theatrical works.

WHEN FRI 1 & SAT 2 DEC | 7-9PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $38 | $30 CONC/STUD $28 CHILD | $35 GROUP

INFO

araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

ALL NT Artist Call Out - Darwin Fringe Festival

WHEN SAT 2 DEC | 12PM & 5PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST INFO

$38 | $35 CONC/CHILD (3-12) yourcentre.com.au

Over the Rainbow Step into a world of colour with SAM's Dance Studio as they present over 50 routines across two days, before 300 students take to the stage for the grand finale. Showcasing a range of genres, it’s a high energy showcase full of fun, energy and colour.

Applications are now open for the 2024 Darwin Fringe Festival. It's the biggest platform for independent, emerging and experimental artists in the NT. No matter your level of skill or experience, jump online and fill out an application form today.

INFO

darwinfringe.org.au

VISUAL ARTS GYRACC

CREEPY CURLEW

Stuart Hwy, Katherine East | gyracc.org.au

Darwin, NT | creepycurlew.dasautomat.com

MON-FRI, 9AM-5PM | SAT, 9AM-2PM

Sonia Martignon, 'On the Edge', 2022, acrylic and pyrography on hand cut plywood, 116x89cm

THE KATHERINE PRIZE is the Territory’s longest running visual art award. Facilitated by Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre, visual artists of all disciplines were invited to enter, including emerging and firsttime participants. Head along to see what this year's cohort has created, and to see the 2023 Katherine Prize-winning work by Sonia Martignon.

CREEPY CURLEW IS creative and life partners Ciella Williams and Danny Crichton. Many of their designs are inspired by the tropical and arid wonderland that is the Northern Territory. Great as gifts or as a Top End momento, their inspired designs feature on 100% combed cotton tees for children and adults, making them the perfect threads in any Territory climate.

until

WHEN PURCHASE ONLINE ANYTIME

48TH KATHERINE PRIZE

FRI 22 DEC

DARWIN VISUAL ARTS

NCCA Northern Centre for Contemporary Art

WED, 12–5PM | THU-FRI, 10AM-5PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM

WED-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 8AM-2PM | OR BY APPOINTMENT

8 McMinn St, Darwin | dvaa.net.au

Vimy Lane, Parap | 8981 5368 | 0402 379 630 | nccart.com

Too BloodyHot!

Dean David Mobbs, 'The Expressionist', 2014, soft pastel on archival paper, 80x60cm

Iconic Member Show Celebrating 40 Years of DVA DARWIN VISUAL ARTS celebrates 40 years with a nostalgic and visionary journey, the iconic member’s show. Join Territory artists for an exhibition of iconic artworks, a shared happy birthday, and an unforgettable evening of entertainment to mark four decades of artistry. More than an exhibition, this exhibition is a celebration of the collective creative spirit that has shaped Darwin Visual Arts since 1983.

until

SAT 9 DEC

Allesandro Bellomunno, '24.24', 2022, oil on canvas, 61x91cm

IT'S THAT TIME of year again. Watercolour palettes are melting into one homogenous blob, viewfinders seem to be perpetually foggy, oil paintings simply refuse to dry. There's no doubt about it, it's Too Bloody Hot! Yep, the build-up is back, and so is NCCA's Annual Members' Show. Too Bloody Hot! invites artists of all disciplines to interpret how North Australia’s climate shapes our lives, landscapes, culture and collective identity.

WHEN THU 30 NOV – SAT 16 DEC OPENING THU 30 NOV, 6PM

MAGNT Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory

ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE

DAILY, 10AM-4PM

DAILY 10AM-4PM

19 Conacher Street The Gardens, Darwin NT | magnt.net.au

61 Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs | araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Raw Earth

2023 Telstra NATSIAA. Photo: MAGNT/Mark Sherwood

2023 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards THE TELSTRA NATIONAL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) celebrates 40 years in 2023 and aims to amplify the very best Australian Indigenous art from around the country. The NATSIAA is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious Indigenous art award, featuring 63 works by emerging and established artists from across the nation.

UNTIL

SUN 18 FEB, 2024

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS

Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre | aboriginalbushtraders.com MON-FRI, 9AM-3PM | SAT, 9AM-2PM

Yvonne Odegaard, Hand painted dress in 'Morning Glory' design

Claire Freer, 'Offering 1', 2023, clay and silk, 65x22cm

INSPIRED BY HER life in Central Australia and her experience living in remote communities, Claire Freer presents new ceramic, textile and sculptural creations, deeply connected with the country she has been living on. UNTIL

SUN 18 FEB, 2024

Benit-ba, Palngurn, Daluk (Womens) Textiles A DISPLAY OF textiles showcasing hand-printed fabric, clothing and homewares, the work explores iconography from Country and aspects of daily life. Works are by Yvonne Odegaard (Darwin), Palngun Wurnangat Aboriginal Corporation (Wadeye), and Babbarra Women's Centre (Maningrida). UNTIL

FRI 2 FEB, 2024

DAAF Goes Global 2023 was huge for the incredible Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) team, which saw record art sales for the Art Fair in August, some welldeserved accolades and a whirlwind trip overseas. Off The Leash was eager to hear about their big trip abroad and asked Executive Director Claire Summers to tell us all about it!

ONDON, PARIS, NEW YORK , a bit of Singapore, Washington DC, Charlottesville and Toronto. Over 40 meetings, zero bedbugs, seven art fairs, 3941 pigeons, five baguettes (okay, maybe eight), a New York City hotdog, a Broadway production, and many new friends, supporters and partners. All in 21 days. The short but sweet trip that we affectionately named There and Back Again - A Hobbit’s Tale, included myself, Artist Director Shilo McNamee, and General Manager Sammy Perry. Three DAAF-ettes wandering out into the big wide and daunting world of art buyers, aficionados and the ever prevalent bored/resting rich face. We met with polite government diplomats, enthusiastic PR and tourism agencies, and chatty curators. We were fleeced by Paris taxi drivers, picked on by London pickpockets – thankfully outfoxed by Sammy! – and suffered the bitter disappointment of not seeing a single celebrity in NYC. We loved the familiar sites of London and the charming Uber drivers – you rocked, Mohammed! We loved the romance and the patisseries of Paris, the phallic buildings of Washington DC, and the concrete jungle of New York City. We knew well before we left that we ran some pretty special events and programs here in the NT. If anything, the trip cemented in our minds how incredible our work is. Our wise and wonderful Shilo McNamee sums it up so eloquently. “The art exhibited at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is absolutely world class – it competes with the best in the world! We will be applying what we have learnt from our trip in terms of enhancing our exhibition build and buyer experiences, but our key learning is that our event is incredibly unique in the way we showcase the art, stories and culture of our artists.”

INFO

daaf.com.au

We are proud to offer the world an art fair that has heart and warmth – not just white walls, poker faces and artworks without price tags. We’ll continue to celebrate the Northern Territory and Australia’s First Nations creatives – there is nothing better anywhere on earth.

TerritoryReads

UNDER THE TREE

If you’re wondering what to get the book lovers in your life this Christmas, perhaps some original NT works might tickle their fancy? Our friends at NT Writers’ Centre have put together some hot titles to make gift giving easy. Legends.

NT actor Frances Djulibing (Ten Canoes, High Ground) and grandson Leo at the 2023 TFF

INFO

bookshopdarwin.com.au | redkangaroobooks.com | ntwriters.com.au

2023 Darwin audience with Pedrea Jackson

YEARS OF FILM By Kate Conway

Unmaking Angas Downs By Shannyn Palmer

Winner of the 2023 Chief Minister’s Northern Territory History Book Award. This nuanced work of history seeks to unmake mythologies of pioneers, pastoralism and possession in the Northern Territory.

Save the date film buffs! Sydney Film Festival’s annual regional tour, the Travelling Film Festival (TFF), returns to the Territory in February.

Tamarra

By Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd, Leah Leaman & others Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated science book that takes us into the life of termites through the stories of the Gurindji People. For kids and adults alike.

TOPPING BY KATHERINE , Darwin and Alice Springs, the packed program features international and Aussie films showcasing fiction, documentaries and short films.

2024 marks an impressive 50th anniversary for the tour and TFF Manager Annie Parnell says the longevity of the event comes down to the festival’s selective approach to programming.

Vincent Namatjira

Hope is the Thing

“I hope that art can change the world.” An astute observer of life, Vincent Namatjira takes us on a journey through his artwork and worldview in this beautifully illustrated book.

An ode to the wonderful world of birds and the healing power of nature, inspired by Emily Dickinson’s famous poem, Hope is the Thing with Feathers. A stunningly illustrated book for all ages.

The film industry has been disrupted in recent years by the pandemic and the introduction of streaming services, but Parnell says trends show people are returning to the cinema and the sense of community it provides.

Murli la

Larrimah

“It’s great to sit in the dark with other people laughing together, all feeling that prickle in your eye when you think you’re going to cry,” she says.

This beautifully designed book brings together songs and stories sung by the Ngarukuruwala Women’s Group from Tiwi Islands, offering an insight into Tiwi culture and many lifetimes of sung knowledge.

Before there was a Netflix series – there was the book! Still one of Australia's greatest mysteries set in one of our most intriguing towns, this book is a rollicking read and a perfect gift for lovers of true crime and unsolved mysteries.

By Vincent Namatjira “We cherry pick our films to really bring a wide range of stories to people … they make people laugh, cry and be challenged. We see into lives and countries and stories that they might not have any idea about,” Parnell says. “That’s the beauty of the Travelling Film Festival, it brings a whole range of perspectives, and it doesn’t force them on anybody. You come out of the cinema and whether you liked or didn’t like something, that’s fine, let’s talk about it.”

By Johanna Bell & Erica Wagner

Films are tailored to each location offering quality cinema to regional and rural audiences, with a strong focus on fostering debate and community interaction. Making sure regional folk don’t miss out on the opportunity to be immersed in the wonderful world of cinema is part of the festival’s DNA. “We don’t want people in the rural parts of Australia to think they don’t have the same access that their counterparts in the city do,” Parnell says. Travelling Film Festival Katherine WHEN FRI 9 – SUN 11 FEB, 24 AT KATHERINE CINEMA 3 Darwin WHEN THU 22 – MON 26 FEB, 24 AT BCC CASUARINA Alice Springs WHEN FRI 23 – TUE 27 FEB, 24 AT ALICE SPRINGS CINEMA

COST INFO

$14-$18 sff.org.au

“We should all be on an equal footing in terms of being able to hear and see stories that might bring some insight into our lives or give us something to think about.”

“People like to be uplifted … you can see on people's faces when they come out that they feel good about the world, and it gives them a chance sometimes to maybe forget about the bad stuff that’s going on. And that’s a beautiful thing.”

By Ngarukuruwala Women’s Group with Dr Genevieve Campbell

By Caroline Graham & Kylie Stevenson

MUSIC Kitty Bang Christmas Cabaret

TINA TURNER TRIBUTE SPECIAL In their 14th year of ringing in the Christmas Season, Kitty Bang and her epic big band return to get you in the festive spirit with another cabaret extravaganza, this year a special tribute to Tina Turner. Come along to sing, dance and sweat this silly season.

GIG

WHEN AT COST INFO

guide OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the NT.

Post Punked

To find out more, head to offtheleash.net.au

FRI 1 DEC | 9PM HAPPY YESS $10-$15 facebook.com/stellarsea

Beyond the Build-Up Don’t miss a huge lineup of Territory rock and post-punk bands at Bustard Town, as Stellar Sea launches their new single, joined by rockers Junk-Time, Yolk and Scrubfowl. Get sweaty, yo! Direct from the Red Centre, post punk rock outfit Stellar Sea makes tracks to the Top End to hit the stage at Happy Yess for this all-ages show. Joining the band in support is Top End trio Yolk, and emerging talents, Elephant Town and Reverie. Head along to see why Stellar Sea's one of the hottest acts to come out of the desert.

DSO Program Teaser 2024 is set to be a biggie for Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) with the full program launched last month revealing the exciting performances in store for the upcoming season. Here’s a sneak peek! INFO

WHEN AT COST INFO

dso.org.au

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 2 DEC | 8PM BUSTARD TOWN $15-$20 facebook.com/stellarsea

Sunday Reggae Session Celebrate tropical, Wet season vibes with DJ Ragga Rae. Specialising in dancehall and afrobeats, sway to

Symphony of Stuff DSO’s education and outreach program kicks off with a creative and interactive performance encouraging children to find and make music wherever they are. Watch as the DSO’s musicians swap their instruments for household items like broomsticks, pots and pans to create extraordinary music from ordinary items.

WHEN SAT 20 APR | 9.30AM & 11AM AT CDU THEATRE Family Proms

SAT 9 DEC | 8-10PM DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB $20-$25 facebook.com/darwinrailwayclub

the rhythm and feel the positive vibes of Reggae music deep in your soul. WHEN SUN 3 DEC | 4.30-7.30PM AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO domsdarwin.com.au

The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive at this beloved monthly arvo of music. Relax with a cold bev and kick back as talented local musos take to the stage. If you’re keen to belt out a tune, give it a crack with support from a live blues band.

WHEN SUN 3 DEC & SUN 7 JAN | 3PM AT TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS &

Iconic Get set for another blockbuster Amphitheatre spectacular under the stars. The full orchestra is joined by an incredible front band of local musicians to pay tribute to musical giants including Elvis, Aretha, Tina Turner, Metallica, and Beyoncé, with performances from a line-up of local vocalists.

SOCIAL CLUB

COST INFO

FREE facebook.com/ firstsundayblues

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals WHEN TUE 5 & 12 DEC | 7-9PM AT 2 ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au Darwin City Brass Band Learners Classes WHEN WED 6 DEC | 4.30-6.30PM AT 2 ABALA RD MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au The Teskey Brothers After unprecedented global success, international tours, celebrity

Heroes

WHEN SAT 22 JUN | 6.30PM AT DARWIN BOTANIC GARDENS AMPHITHEATRE

Vital Forces

Be swept away on a journey of epic proportions through some of cinema's most iconic themes. From Hans Zimmer’s Gladiator to John Williams’ Harry Potter and Star Wars masterpieces, this one’s a delight for all ages.

WHEN SAT 26 OCT | 6.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

One Thousand and One Nights Be transported to another world in this monumental season opener featuring Motzart’s exhilarating Jupiter Symphony, the last symphony he ever wrote and widely regarded as one of the greatest symphonies of all time, blending emotional depth and incredible inventiveness.

WHEN SAT 23 MAR | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

Offering little ones a unique opportunity to get up close with the orchestra, family proms is an interactive and fun way to introduce children to the sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra.

Larrakia Senior Elder Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee and NT composer Netanela Mizrahi present their stunning new collaboration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy and the indelible mark it left on Darwin.

Voyage DSO is joined by two special guests to round out the concert season with a spectacular triple bill featuring leading Australian pianist Stefan Cassomenos and Guest Conductor Richard Mills.

WHEN SAT 11 MAY | 9.30AM & 11AM AT PALMERSTON RECREATION

WHEN SAT 17 AUG | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

WHEN SAT 7 DEC | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRE

affirmations, accolades, and awards - it’s time for The Teskey Brothers to come home to Australia, performing their soulful, timeless tunes in the NT for one night only.

Fridays @ Dom’s Round up your pals, celebrate Fri-yay with a cheeky cocktail or two and let the house DJ bring in your weekend.

WHEN EVERY FRI (EXC. 5 JAN) FROM 4PM

AT COST INFO

DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE FREE domsdarwin.com.au

Bella Maree Combining soulful vocals with finger picking, plucking and hand percussion on the guitar, local muso Bella Maree soundtracks knock-off drinks every Friday at the lush Novotel Atrium Bar & Garden.

WHEN FRI 19 JAN | 7.30-10PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST INFO

$89.90 yourcentre.com.au

Wednesday Night Swing Break up the working week and join Swing Dance NT for a spin around the dancefloor accompanied by the 19-piece Hot and Cold Big Band. Perfect for any age and ability, dust off your dancing shoes and give it a whirl!

WHEN AT COST INFO

RED CENTRE Live on the Lawns – Bunna Lawrie & Jason Lee Scott Celebrate AusMusic Month in Alice Springs/Mparntwe and enjoy local musical talent at MusicNT’s Live on the Lawns. The week-long celebration kicks off with a special performance from Bunna Lawrie, frontman of the trailblazing Aboriginal band Coloured Stone, and his equally talented son Jason Lee Scott.

WHEN FRI 1 DEC | 12.30-2PM AT MUSICNT OFFICE, ALICE SPRINGS

COST INFO

FREE musicnt.com.au

EVERY FRI, 1-29 DEC | 4.30PM ATRIUM BAR & GARDEN FREE bellamareemusic.com

Weekends at Willing Kick off your weekend at Willing Distillery with tasty food from local food trucks and chilled live tunes. If you’re thirsty there’s award-winning gin, a curated cocktail list and local craft beers to cater to all tastes.

GOT A GIG? Upload by 5pm, Thu 14 Dec to have it approved before we fly the coop for the holidays. See you in 2024!

WHEN EVERY FRI & SAT WHEN AT COST INFO

WED 6 & 13 DEC | 7.30PM DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB $10 facebook.com/groups/ swingdancent

FROM 12PM

AT COST INFO

WILLING DISTILLERY FREE facebook.com/ willingdistillery