Off The Leash – October 2020

Winner, 2019 NT Media Awards, Best Magazine or Lift Out BITUMEN & DIRT

MAD FOR MANGOES LIME CORDIALE

Wayne Eager 30 years in the Territory

The inaugural Mango Madness Festival

On the REBOUND

OCTOBER

20 20

MUSIC

•

PERFORMING ARTS

•

VISUAL ARTS

•

BOOKS & FILM

•

FOOD & DRINK

•

COMMUNITY

Yo u r fre e what ’s o n g u i d e TO TH E TO P E N D

1

UPCOMING EVENTS October School Holiday Activities Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October Weekdays from 10am to 12noon | Free Kids can enjoy a fun-filled line up of school holiday activities every weekday including cartooning workshops, crafting natural wands and crowns, sand dough nature art, kids yoga, toddler play space and more!

Mango Madness Festival Sunday 25 October 2020 10am to 5pm | Free The NT Mango Industry Association celebrates the tropical culture of the Mango region in the Territory.

Festivities will include food stalls, music, children’s entertainment, activity hub, tastings and all things mango.

Aqua Fitness Every Sunday in the Wave Lagoon 8:30am to 9:15am Get water active with weekly aqua fitness classes. $12 for adults and $8 for children which includes all day entry to the Wave Lagoon.

Yoga Asana Every Saturday in October 8am | Free A dedicated and qualified yoga instructor will guide you through a gentle 1 hour session of yoga asana, breath work and meditation suited to all levels of yoga experience including beginners.

Patrons will need to provide their own yoga mat for the class.

WATERFRONT.NT.GOV.AU

YOU'LL YOU'LL NEVER NEVER KNOW KNOW WHAT WHAT YOU YOU MISSED...

MISSED... ENROL ENROL NOW! NOW!

WWW.ADULTSHORTCOURSES.COM

Arts

Cooking

Pottery

Baking

Watercolour

Pastries

Drawing Painting Photography Mosaics Guitar

2

Sewing

Computer

Spanish

Sewing Essentials

Adobe Photoshop

Massage

Italian

Garment Making

Adobe InDesign

Meditation

Language French Greek

Chinese

German

Hand Sewing

Adobe Lightroom

Thai

Mandarin

Patchwork Quilting

Computer Basics

Cake Decorating

Japanese

Pasta

Korean

Excel

Indonesian

www.adultshortcourses.com Facebook: Darwin Adult Short Courses

Phone: 0452 135 400 1 Nemarluk drive, Ludmilla, NT 0820

Health

SpiritualDevelopment Yoga

IMPORTANT MESSAGE Events listed in this edition of Off The Leash are subject to change.

The situation around COVID-19 is evolving and information provided within this publication is correct – to the best of our knowledge – at time of print.

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU E: editor@offtheleash.net.au T: 08 8941 7413 offtheleashmag

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801

We recommend you refer to individual event websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date information.

he heavens have opened, the frog choir rehearsals are in full swing, and the clouds get taller and darker by the day. Welcome to October, folks!

To quote the great Fresh Prince of Belair, for a year that “got flipped-turned upside down”, it sure seems to have moved with quite the pace. But 2020 soldiers on with plenty of good, good times still to come.

Imagine being able to devote your life to your creative dream, making a livelihood from your arts practice and spending your days doing what you love. That’s exactly how life has rolled out for Alice Springs contemporary artist, Wayne Eager.

Local comedian Amy Hetherington upgrades from Darwin Entertainment Centre’s Studio stage to The Playhouse, because her show sold out in 24 hours. Darwin and its opportunities, right?

F R OM T H E

AROUND TOWn | 5 Food & Drink | 7 BOOKS & FILM | 8 Youth | 12 Visual Arts | 13 Performing ARTS | 16 Music | 18 calendaR | PULL-OUT

r o t i d E

This month, CDU Art Gallery showcases 30 years of Eager’s work in a special survey exhibition, Bitumen & Dirt. Check out the main feature to learn about this intriguing artist, who draws inspiration from the beautiful land on which he lives, and loves.

The NT Writers Festival (NTWF) is set to roll out four days of workshops, book launches, conversations and celebrations for wordsmiths and enthusiasts of the written word, whilst film lovers and tech-heads will love Deckchair Cinema’s newest purchase. Read about both in Books & Film.

If you didn’t know it, the Top End’s been setting some incredible – albeit unexpected – post-COVID milestones. Our theatres were the last to close pre-iso and the first to open once restrictions were lifted, we were the first to dine at pubs and restaurants, we hosted the first major arts festival and physical international film festival in the country, and now, we’re rolling out a bunch of music festivals.

Postie Toasties | 7

REBOUND Music Festival descends on Darwin Ski Club boasting a lineup of some of the hottest indie, pop and hip hop artists getting around, including Example, Illy and DJ Denim (Mallrat). We caught up with Oli from Sydney outfit Lime Cordiale to chat about how 2020’s unfolded for the band, and their voyage to get to little old Darwin.

Despite the build up well and truly making its presence known, and the “low season” for tourists looming, the Top End confidently bursts with life and activity, showing no signs of slowing down as we typically tend to at this time of year.

NT WRITERS FESTIVAL | 8

Kick back and soak it all in, friends.

Heads up – the Performing Arts section is chockers.

Postponed from April, Scott Gooding’s one-man dark comedy, Robert in Crisis, finally takes its place under the lights at Brown’s Mart Theatre.

Night Gardens | 13 OTL is proudly supported by

Tierney White Managing Editor and Development Manager

Anna Dowd Writer

Sarah Novinetz Graphic Designer

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.

Distributed to remote Indigenous communities with the assistance of

#o tlmag

BITUMEN & DIRT

MAD FOR MANGOES LIME CORDIALE

Wayne Eager 30 years in the Territory

The inaugural Mango Madness Festival

OCTOBER

On the REBOUND

@musicnt

•

Pimms’o’clock at @govhousent for Music on the Terrace

FOOD & DRINK

•

COMMUNITY

Yo u r fre e what ’s o n gu i d e TO TH E TO P E N D

•

VISUAL ARTS

Celebrating @darwin_symphony_orchestra

•

PERFORMING ARTS

@gyracc

MUSIC

#DIFF2020TakeOne

•

BOOKS & FILM

Use our hashtag for a chance to see your pics here

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

20 20

1

Cover proudly sponsored by CDU Art Gallery.

Tropical wedding cake by @c_bella_m @amyhetherington

Cover image: Wayne Eager, 'West MacDonnell Ranges' (detail), 1994, oil on ply, 30x214cm

WINNER 2019 NT MEDIA AWARDS Best Magazine or Lift Out

@musicnt's Desert Session Songwriters' Retreat

@myglowdarwin Everyday Glow Up Makeup Masterclass

Although Although all care is taken to ensure information Off The Leash correct, it is subject to change.

We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au updates. all care is taken to ensureininformation in is Off The Leash is correct, it is subject to change.

We recommend checking for offtheleash.net.au for updates.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Off The Leash relies on advertising revenue to underpin printing costs each month. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, printing a hard copy edition of OTL will be assessed on a month-bymonth basis for the remainder of 2020.

October 2020

3

FEATURE

Bitumen & Dirt This month, CDU Art Gallery showcases the career of Alice Springs artist Wayne Eager, with 85 works from private and public collections around the country exhibited together for the first time.

By Anna Dowd

sk painter Wayne Eager to describe his art to someone encountering it for the first time, and his answer is considered, short and to the point.

Bitumen & Dirt WHEN THU 22 OCT, 2020 –

SAT 20 FEB, 2021 AT CDU ART GALLERY INFO cdu.edu.au/artgallery facebook.com/ cduartgallery

“I’m somebody who’s inspired by country and who’s lived a long time in the Territory.”

A founding member of the avant-garde Roar Studios in 80’s Fitzroy Melbourne, Eager first visited the NT in 1990, with a stint in the desert and a visit to his brother at the CSIRO Research Station in Kakadu.

The monumental landforms and open blue skies proved to be an inexhaustible source of creativity.

“It’s the country, I love it, I’ve always loved it. The big openness, the colour, the crisp light – it’s all been the inspiration for my paintings.”

The body of works created out of this first encounter include titles like Dry Season Kakadu painted in 1990 and Naramu Billabong painted in 1991, and show the origins of the artist’s enduring relationship with Territory landscapes.

Eager and his partner, artist Marina Strocchi, returned to the Red Centre soon after for three months to work with Indigenous artists in Haast Bluff on Luritja country, west of Alice Springs.

“That turned into five years working out there, and now 28 years in total living out bush and in Alice Springs,” he says.

“We just got totally involved with the people. It’s a job that once you started, you couldn’t just jump up and leave.”

All works by Wayne Eager.

Top: 'West MacDonnell Ranges' (detail), 1994, oil on ply, 30x214cm Bottom L-R: 'Salty Blue' (detail), 2019, gouache on paper, 68x50cm, courtesy the artist.

'Figurescape (State II)' (detail), 2007, etching, 47x82cm, courtesy CDU Art Collection.

'Red Town' (detail), 2018, oil on linen, 138x122.5cm, courtesy the artist and Eastgate Gallery.

4

'First Rain' (detail), 2007, lithograph & Chine Collé, 66x50cm, courtesy CDU Art Collection

After decades immersed in the rich artistic practices of the central and western deserts, including work as a field officer for the famed Papunya Tula Artists, Eager says he often gets asked how it’s influenced his own work.

“That’s not an easy thing to answer. I’d like other people to answer that for me, in a way. I just like painting, and I like to see people develop whatever they’ve got. It’s all inspiration to me.”

For Eager, going into the studio involves everything dropping away, and finishing a painting can take anywhere from one a week to 20 years, in the case of one of the works in the exhibition Linework No. 1, completed in 2013.

“It’s not like I’ve got anything absolute when I start,” he says of his style, which over the course of his career has moved between the figurative and the abstract.

“It’s just all these details, a flickering of light on the bushes, the curves of the rocks. It all turns into a mish mash. I’ll work things, give them another layer, or two or three, and that turns into paintings.”

Curator Kellie Joswig is excited to bring the breadth of Eager’s work to a Top End audience.

"To see an overview of his oeuvre, a survey of such a large number of works created over a 30-year career in the Territory, is going to be quite extraordinary," she says.

"Wayne Eager’s style is quite unlike that of other contemporary NT artists.

He developed his own very unique visual language early in his career and has continued to hone it, with meticulous attention to mark-making."

AROUND TOWN

Go Mad for Mangoes Things are about to get all sweet and juicy at Darwin Waterfront, with a day of fruity fun and mango goodness coming your way.

Northern Territory Mango Industry Association President Leo Skliros says the event was created to shine a light on the Territory’s mango industry.

“We’re putting the festival on for a few reasons, and one of those is that we want to bring awareness to what the mango industry does for the NT – it creates a lot of jobs and contributes to the economy,” he says.

“It also gives people another excuse to party, with a fun, friendly gathering. It’s got something for everyone, with loads of family

friendly activities but also a few cocktails and other treats suitable for those over 18.”

Enjoy tantalising food stalls with mango inspired food and drinks, tastings, entertainment, loads of fun activities and competitions, educational displays and workshops.

With the success of the inaugural Darwin Mango Cup earlier this year, it’s only too clear how much the fruit is adored by Top Enders, Dom’s Bar & Lounge taking out top spot for the Territori-Tini, now a permanent fixture on the bar’s menu.

With the inaugural festival also comes the introduction of the It Takes Two to Mango initiative.

Participating restaurants, cafes and bars across the Darwin and rural areas can receive free mangoes to create mango-inspired recipes in the lead up to the festival, thanks to the generosity of local mango growers and free delivery from the team at Simon George & Sons.

THE THRILL OF UPSKILL Want to learn a new language? Keen to enhance your photo editing skills? Or perhaps you’d love to master the art of massage… Whatever area you’d like to improve in, Darwin Adult Short Courses has something for you.

AT DARWIN LANGUAGES CENTRE, 1 NEMARLUK DRIVE, LUDMILLA INFO adultshortcourses.com

Photoshop Course This six-week course covers all areas of Adobe Photoshop at an introductory level. By the time you finish this fun, hands-on, project-oriented course, you’ll be well on your way to expressing yourself with this industry-standard photo editing software!

qualified instructor teaches participants about aching muscles, basic muscle groups, soft tissue massage and dry massage, as well as massage with various oils.

“In the week leading up to the festival, we’re assisting with the COVID recovery by giving away 10 tonnes of mangoes to businesses to create mango inspired food and drinks – mangoes can be enjoyed in more ways than just eaten fresh,” Skliros says.

“They’re such a versatile fruit, and we’d love for people to realise their potential in the same way avocados have. These days, chicken and avocado salads are pretty common, but that wasn’t always the case.

“We really just want people to have a good time at the festival and understand that mangoes are very important to the NT.” So round up the crew and get ready to go mad for mangoes. Sweet as.

Mango Madness Festival WHEN SUN 25 OCT | 10AM-5PM AT DARWIN WATERFRONT COST FREE-$10

INFO mangomadnessfestival.com.au

6.30-8.30PM COST

$150, 5-WEEK COURSE

Watercolours Course Learn essential techniques of traditional English watercolours.

This includes an understanding of materials, mixing colours, washes, lifting and reserving the white of the paper, and drawing with the brush. Using artist quality paint and paper, students can create series of small, beautiful, transparent works of art.

6.30-8.30PM

Remedial Massage Course Assist with movement, and improve relaxation and pain management through remedial massage. A

WHEN EVERY SAT FROM 24 OCT

Get ready for your travels with these language courses, covering four main areas of foreign language study – listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students in these courses can learn basic vocabulary, and speak words, phrases and sentences with the proper pronunciation and intonation.

French Beginners WHEN EVERY MON FROM 12 OCT

1-4PM

6.30-8.30PM $150 PER COUPLE,

Computer Basics Need to learn the basics of understanding and using your computer and smartphone? This five-week course helps with simple, functional everyday uses of your computer, such as navigating

suitable for beginners and those wishing to revisit essential drawing techniques. Wherever you are on your art journey, it’s never too soon or too late to acquire or refresh your drawing skills.

COST

3-WEEK COURSE

$250, 6-WEEK COURSE

When we can travel internationally again, put your hand up if you’d love to go to Europe. Yep, us, too!

WHEN EVERY TUE FROM 13 OCT

WHEN EVERY MON FROM 12 OCT COST

LANGUAGE COURSES

folders, writing emails and using the internet.

WHEN MON 12, 19 & 26 OCT COST

Photo: Tou's Garden

THERE’S NO DOUBT about it, mangoes are delicious. And with the Northern Territory producing more than half of the national mango haul, a festival in honour of the humble fruit seems only fair.

Cue the inaugural Mango Madness Festival!

WHEN EVERY THU FROM 15 OCT 5PM COST

$330, 6-WEEK COURSE

Drawing: The Line, The Cube and The Sphere This six-week drawing course is

$330, 6-WEEK COURSE

Take a Spin Level 2 This six-week pottery course is suitable for those who have completed a beginner’s course with Adult Short Courses or elsewhere. Step-by-step instructions and guidance will have you practicing your throwing skills with specific projects. Material and tools provided – just bring your creative self!

WHEN EVERY TUE FROM 27 OCT

6.30-8.30PM COST

Italian Beginners WHEN EVERY MON FROM 12 OCT 6.30-8.30PM COST

$395, 6-WEEK COURSE

$300, 10-WEEK COURSE

Spanish Beginners WHEN EVERY MON FROM 12 OCT 6.30-8.30PM COST

$300, 10-WEEK COURSE

Greek Beginners WHEN EVERY TUE FROM 13 OCT

6.30-8.30PM COST

$300, 10-WEEK COURSE

6.30-8.30PM COST

$300, 10-WEEK COURSE

5

LISTINGS

third of Australia’s bird species, Kakadu is the perfect place to discover and learn all about the unique species of birds living in this part of the world, which is dual World Heritage listed for its natural and cultural values.

WHEN UNTIL SAT 3 OCT AT KAKADU NATIONAL

PARK & ONLINE

INFO parksaustralia.gov.au

Show in a Day - Theatre and Tech This workshop is for creative kids aged nine and over to take on the challenge of creating a show in a matter of hours. Half the team creates the story and shapes the performance, and the other half builds the lights and sound.

WHEN THU 1 OCT | 9.30AM-4.30PM AT CORRUGATED IRON

YOUTH ARTS COST $130 | $100 CURRENT STUDENTS INFO corrugatediron.org.au

Malak Marketplace Pop Up at Howard Park Join Malak Marketplace for the first ever Rural Pop Up at Howard Park Reserve in Howard Springs.

Spend a relaxing Friday night under the stars. Bring your own mats and relax with free live music from the talented Leah Flanagan!

Theatre Making Intensive Corrugated Iron is running specialist classes for current students keen to expand their theatre making experience during the school holidays. Classes focus on play building through improvisation, physical theatre, spoken word, comedy, tragedy and much more.

WHEN TUE 6 – THU 8 OCT

10AM-4PM AT CORRUGATED IRON

YOUTH ARTS COST FREE INFO corrugatediron.org.au

School's Out! The school holidays are here, with heaps of fun activities and events to enjoy across the Top End. INFO katherine.nt.gov.au palmerston.nt.gov.au darwin.nt.gov.au

Open Native, Edible & Verge Garden: Brinkin COOLmob and Darwin Community Arts invite you to a sneak peek at Graeme’s garden, which has been transformed into an ecological and edible oasis. Expect to see indigenous woodland, monsoon rainforest, a vegetable garden and fruit trees, spanning across the whole property and onto the verge.

WHEN FRI 2 OCT | 5-9PM AT HOWARD PARK RESERVE,

WHEN SAT 10 OCT | 8-10AM AT BRINKIN (ADDRESS

SUPPLIED UPON BOOKING)

COST $10 INFO coolmob.org

NT Performing Arts Awards 2020 has certainly been a challenging year, and there’s no denying the performing arts industry has been hit hard. In the Northern Territory, we’re keen to celebrate our creative people and the work they do with the 2020 NT Performing Arts Awards.

Nominations are now open! Know someone who’s gone above and beyond? Nominate them today.

WHEN NOMINATIONS CLOSE

MON 19 OCT

INFO tracksdance.com.au

Halloween Bowling Party Round up the crew, don your best Halloween threads and head to Planet Tenpin for the Halloween Bowling Party. Entry fees score you two hours of unlimited bowling, with trick or treat prizes going off all day. The alley’s transformed by spooky lights from 3pm, with spooky shakes for the kids and spooky cocktails for the grown ups available. Time to get howling...

Er, bowling.

WHEN SAT 31 OCT | 9AM-10.30PM AT PLANET TENPIN COST $19 INFO planettenpin.com.au

HOWARD SPRINGS COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ malakmarketplace

Malak Marketplace Heads up – October is your last chance to enjoy this much-loved farmer’s market for the year.

Tuck into a delicious feed as you enjoy the sounds of local performers and soak up the market atmosphere. Miss this and you'll have to wait until next year to see those iconic red umbrellas.

4-9PM AT CHAMBERS CRESCENT, MALAK COST FREE INFO malakmarketplace.org.au

Kakadu Bird Week 2020 There’s no doubt about it – Kakadu National Park is a bird lover’s paradise. Home to more than a

19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay 8981 6616 | tactilearts.org.au

6

WHEN EVERY WEEKDAY UNTIL

FRI 9 OCT | 10AM-12PM

COST FREE

Yoga Asana Class Begin your weekend in Zen mode with this blissful hour of yoga. Pull up your own mat on the lush green lawns of Darwin Waterfront whilst a qualified instructor guides you. Om!

Learn To Make Your Own Findings Ever made a piece of jewellery and found you’re missing just one little bit you could make yourself, but not sure how to do it? In this workshop with Debra Senjuschenko, learn how to make different findings including ball-pins, ear-wires, connectors, bails, jump rings and more!

Making Shift Masterclass Recycled Basketry and Woven Sculpture Join local artist Aly de Groot to learn about the processes involved with basket making and weaving, and make your own one-of-a-kind basket or woven sculpture.

WHEN SAT 10 & 24 OCT | 1-5PM COST $135 PER CLASS | $125 MEMB

WHEN SUN 11 OCT | 1-5PM COST $110 | $100 MEMB

Get Job Ready Come along to these free sessions, where you can use the library’s laptops to create or update your resume, and search and apply for jobs.

WHEN EVERY WED | 2-4PM COST FREE

LET’S DANCE Spicy Salsa Classes WHEN TUE 6 OCT | 6.30-8.30PM AT DANCE WORLD STUDIO,

WOOLNER COST $20 INFO salsitadarwin.com.au

Samba Choreography Series

WHEN EVERY SAT | 8-9AM COST FREE Aqua Fitness in the Wave Lagoon It’s the coolest way to burn calories.

Take a splash each Sunday morning with an aqua fitness class in the Wave Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront. A dedicated instructor guides you through a body conditioning, pool-based aerobic program.

WHEN EVERY SUN | 8.30-9.15AM COST $12 | $8 U15

PALMERSTON LIBRARY Gadgets and Games Club Learning plus games equals fun!

If your child is aged 5-12 years and enjoys hands-on, problem based learning activities, this is for them.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 3.30-4.30PM COST FREE Storytime Sing, dance, listen to stories and engage with puppets at these fun and interactive sessions. Suitable for children aged 1-5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

WORK SHOPS TACTILE ARTS

waterfront.nt.gov.au School Holiday Fun Kids can have a ball these school holidays with a fun-filled line up of activities every weekday. Fun times include cartooning workshops, crafting, sand dough nature art, yoga and more.

palmerston.nt.gov.au/library

WHEN EVERY SAT UNTIL 24 OCT

DARWIN WATERFRONT

WHEN EVERY TUE FROM 13 OCT

BEGINNERS, 6.30-7.30PM ADVANCED, 7.30-9PM AT RIX KIX ARTS COST $15 BEGINNERS

$25 ADVANCED INFO salsitadarwin.com.au

Movement Medicine WHEN EVERY SUN | 10-11.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY

CENTRE COST $15 CASH INFO movement.magic @yahoo.com

Argentine Tango Practica WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-9PM AT STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE COST $10, CASH ONLY INFO facebook.com/nthntango Milonga: Tango Dance Party WHEN FRI 30 OCT | 8-11PM AT COCONUT GROVE

COMMUNITY HALL

COST $10, CASH ONLY INFO facebook.com/nthntango

&

DRINK LISTINGS

FOOD

Poolside Saturdays @ Cossies Spend your Saturdays kicking back and catching some rays – cocktail in hand – around the lagoon pool at Cossies Poolside Bar and Bistro. With all-day cocktail specials, a tantalising poolside food menu and cool water to take a dip in, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday. See ya poolside!

POSTIE TOASTIES

WHEN EVERY SAT | 11AM-9PM AT COSSIES POOLSIDE BAR

Postie WHEN MON – FRI | 7AM-3PM AT 11 BENNETT ST, DARWIN INFO instagram.com/postie_darwin

NEW LITTLE GEM has popped up on Bennett Street in Darwin, serving hot and chilled coffees, authentic chai teas and some of the tastiest toastie combos getting around.

Despite its tiny size – and only being open for a few weeks – Postie offers full flavours served with a smile, proving once and for all that size isn’t everything.

For owners Kurt Bartlett and Rachel Craggs – partners in biz and in life – it was their growing family and the desire for a work/life balance that inspired them to open Darwin’s newest takeaway foodie haunt.

“The idea of creating a place for us had to be inline with our family,” Rachel says.

“We didn’t want to create something where we had to work ridiculous hours, because our two young boys are our main priority and we want to be there for them.”

With a mix of hospitality experience between them, opening their own café was a long time coming for the pair, despite 2020 being a notorious year for the hospo industry.

“We’ve been wanting to open a business for quite a few years, and the opportunity just kind of presented itself,” Kurt says.

“Although we were always planning to open, the pandemic triggered the opportunity for us – I got laid off

& BISTRO COST FREE | $10 COCKTAIL SPECIALS INFO facebook.com/ cossiespoolside

and we just had to do something for ourselves.”

Having split their time over the past seven years between Rachel’s hometown of Darwin and Kurt’s home of Fremantle, starting a family inspired the pair to settle down and open up shop.

“We saw this building pop up at the start of the year, and it ticked all of the boxes. It was built in ’68, so it’s survived a few cyclones,” Rachel says.

“The previous person had a barber shop here for about 30 years, but unfortunately, he passed away. His customers often come in and tell us funny stories about their haircuts, which is nice because it gives us a connection with them as well.

“His wife came by to see us and I like to think she blessed it, as she blew us kisses. When Kurt pulled one of the walls off, a little picture of Jesus fell out, so we’ve still got him pinned in there because you can’t throw Jesus out!”

Postie’s toasties are fast gaining a loyal fan base, their changing menu including tasty combinations such as roast beef, mustard, house-made sauerkraut, cheese and pickles, and straightforward grilled cheese.

Rachel says their popularity is all in Kurt’s secret recipe.

“The difference with our toasties is Kurt’s secret five-cheese blend –

The Vue Seniors 2-Course Lunch Deal The Vue at Mindil Beach Resort offers seniors an enticing lunch deal from Monday to Thursday, with two courses for just $18. Love an entree? Enjoy yours with a main.

More of a sweet tooth? Then treat yourself after mains. Tuck in!

WHEN EVERY TUE | 11.30AM-2.30PM AT THE VUE, MINDIL BEACH

CASINO RESORT

COST $18 OVER 50 INFO mindilbeachcasinoresort

.com.au

he’s nailed the perfect ratios!”

The response from the community has been a warm one, the tiny café already attracting a bevy of regulars popping by for a cuppa on the way to work or a toasted sanga at lunch.

“In the mornings here, it’s a really good vibe – there’s always people out here and they chat with each other while they wait for their coffees. It’s lovely that it’s worked out like that,” Kurt says.

With sustainability a topic close to Kurt and Rachel’s hearts, every decision has been made with this in mind – from the repurposed furniture made by Rachel’s dad, Harry, to the discounts offered to customers bringing their own cups.

The duo says playing their own tunes has been one of their favourite things about working for themselves, but at the end of the day, it’s knowing they’re doing something for their family that makes all the hard work worth it.

“Hospitality can be pretty brutal sometimes, so we wanted to create a really happy and nice environment to work in,” Kurt says.

“The pushing point to create something for our family is why we decided to open, and we feel like we’ve done the right thing.”

Fancy a Tipple?

DARWIN LOVES THE Sauvignon Blanc, now it's time to meet the rest of the family! Discover the range of South Australia's popular Adelaide Hills winery at the Shaw + Smith Wine and Dine experience in Hilton Darwin's brand new PepperBerry Restaurant.

Take your pick from Friday or Saturday evening to sample a range of wines through a unique self-guided wine dinner with four courses. As you feast, Shaw + Smith winemakers Michael Hill Smith and Martin Shaw chat through tasting notes, and the story behind this iconic Adelaide winery, in a series of short videos you can watch at your leisure.

Shaw + Smith Wine & Dine Experience @ PepperBerry Restaurant WHEN EVERY FRI & SAT UNTIL FRI 30 OCT | 7PM AT PEPPERBERRY RESTAURANT, HILTON DARWIN COST $129 INFO facebook.com/pepperberryrestaurant | darwintickets.com.au

7

&

Gunamidirra garawa birditj

WheN the

tides turn NT Writers Festival

EXPLORING IDEAS OF change and adaptation through rich conversations and story, the 2020 NT Writers Festival (NTWF) promises four days of timely reflection and fun this month.

Held in the magical surrounds of the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens (GBDBG), NTWF brings together the Territory’s best writers, playwrights, performers and thinkers – plus a few special interstate guests – for a range of panels, readings and workshops. Enjoy!

Mixtape Memoirs

Book Launch - Mookanunganuk

By Kathy Mills Join prominent Indigenous Elder, Kathy Mills, for the launch of her heart-filled debut collection Mookanunganuk.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 10-10.30AM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST FREE

Music is a powerful cue for potent memories. In the tradition of this popular Emerging Writers Festival event, NTWF brings you a brilliant lineup of writers that take to the stage to share something from the soundtracks of their lives.

WHEN THU 1 OCT | 7.30-9PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $30 | $25 MEMB/CONC A Twist In The Tale with Mirandi Riwoe Participants consider ways to find inspiration in their writing lives.

The focus is on transforming or responding to existing stories, writing, genres, research and life.

WHEN FRI 2 OCT | 2-5PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $80 | $50 MEMB/CONC Vessels & Stories Amongst wooden watercraft, writers awaken stories about the horizons we chase, the borders we cross, and the voyages we make but sometimes don’t return from. Join an amazing lineup of authors, actors and playwrights for this unmissable storytelling event.

WHEN FRI 2 OCT | 5.30-7PM AT MAGNT COST $30 | $25 MEMB/CONC Screenreads Night From the writers of Sweet Country, Mystery Road and more, come four brand-new screenplays by award-winning local screenwriters.

As the sun sets, join a cast of Darwin actors for an intimate, one-off reading that brings to life the stories set to grace our screens

8

WHEN FRI 2 OCT | 7.30-9PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $30 | $25 MEMB/CONC

Author Q&A - Kindred Join three authors from the Kindred anthology for an urgent, livestreamed discussion about growing up queer in Australia, the connections that form us, the importance of “Own Voices”, and the role books can play in creating cultural change, visibility, pride and safety for queer teens.

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 2-3PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $15 | $12 MEMB/CONC

Turning Tides In this thought-provoking session chaired by Sam Wells, panellists Vannessa Hearman, Thomas Mayor and Adelle Sefton-Rowston grapple with questions of justice, human rights, the politics of voice and memory, and the process of truth telling.

Inheritance How do we navigate what is handed down to us? Hosted by Julia Christensen, you’re invited to join an extraordinary lineup of writers including Mary Anne Butler, Trent Dalton, Melanie Mununggurr and Leni Shilton, as they tell stories about the magic and madness of these journeys – about how we both love, and struggle, to break free from the lot we’re given.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 2.30-3.30PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $15 | $12 MEMB/CONC

Unimaginable Lives Join host Kylie Stevenson for a conversation underpinned by a spirit of adventure, as authors Tanya Heaslip, Derek Pugh and Monica Tan paint a frank and colourful portrait of the outback, and the frontiers of Australian mythology.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 10.30-11.30AM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $15 | $12 MEMB/CONC

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 3.30-5.30PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $50 | $35 MEMB/CONC

Songspirals Book Talk Join members of the Gay’wu collective, aka the ‘dilly bag women’s group’, who, through a decade long deep collaboration between five Yolngu women and three non-Aboriginal women, have co-authored this book.

Words On The Wharf As the moon rises over Stokes Hill Wharf and the Darwin Harbour, you’re invited to settle in for a night of beats, stories and words from guest and local voices, exploring turning points of all kinds. Let a lineup of storytellers across all genres and forms take you to the brink and beyond. Live music by Kuya James X Emcille.

Celebration Of The Seasons Haiku From Katherine Haiku traditionally contained a seasonal marker. In Jawoyn country, the year turns to a different calendar. Join Katherine Region of Writers’ as they present Celebration of the Seasons – a collection of new haiku.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 12.30-1.30PM AT EVA’S CAFÉ COST FREE

Arelhekenhe Angkentye Women’s Talk Arelhekenhe Angkentye: Women’s Talk is a brand-new, all women, all Arrernte poetry collection where mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and daughters share poems about struggle, heartache, happiness, and the joy of being yourself.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 2-3PM AT NTWF FACEBOOK PAGE COST FREE

Gathering Ground - Life, Death And Discomfort With Kelly Lee Hickey As the tide turns, treasures from the deep are exposed, and others are dragged away. This workshop is an invitation to reflect on cycles of life and death amidst the discomfort, rot and fecundity of Darwin’s darlirrgang – aka the build up.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 11.30AM-12.30PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $15 | $12 MEMB/CONC

Mangroves Story Walk Led by local mangrove ecologist, Kristin Metcalfe, this walk follows a sandy track from the landward edge of the mangroves to the expansive mudflats of Ludmilla Bay. Hear stories along the way of forests in flood, mermaids and more in an intimate encounter with this unique ecosystem.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 9-10.30PM AT CRUSTACEANS ON THE

WHARF, STOKES HILL WHARF

COST $30 | $25 MEMB/CONC

Saturday Sunset Sessions

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 8.30-10AM AT LUDMILLA BAY COST $50 | $40 MEMB/CONC Meet The Makers Meet writers and illustrators behind our many local children’s books.

See their work at different stages from concept to draft, including roughs, edits and cover designs.

Adults and kids welcome!

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 9-10AM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST FREE This Book Changed My Life Books lay pathways, open our minds, share our experiences, and name the unspoken parts of our lives. The best imprint themselves in our hearts and minds. Some alter the ways we think and live forever.

In this session hosted by Jess Ong, three amazing speakers – Trent Dalton, Thomas Mayor and Haneen Mahmood Martin – discuss the books that made them.

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 10-11AM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $15 | $12 MEMB/CONC Kim’s Cubby Young story lovers are invited to join a lineup of local children’s picture book authors for morning-time readings, fun, and creative activities at Eva’s Cafe!

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 10AM-12PM AT EVA’S CAFÉ COST FREE

Enjoy the sounds of David Garnham in the Gardens as he strums a few tunes on his guitar. Grab a bite to eat from Paella at Sunset, with drinks also available for purchase from the Festival Bar.

Translating Indonesia Norman Erikson Pasaribu used to meet his boyfriend in a Jakarta car park, and was reminded of the early Christians going underground to pray. Tiffany Tsao is equal parts novelist and literary translator, and translated Pasaribu’s collection of poetry from Indonesian to English. Join these two authors in conversation bridging Indonesian and Australian worlds.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 6-7PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST FREE

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 12-1PM AT NTWF FACEBOOK PAGE COST FREE

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 4.30-5.30PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $15 | $12 MEMB/CONC Talking About Genre Genre writers are a fresh and diverse group, whose books captivate huge and dedicated readerships. Join writers Sean Guy, Erica Hayes, Mirandi Riwoe and Philip Tarl Denson for a conversation about how genre books contribute ideas, solutions and imaginings to our cultural conversations.

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 5.30-6.30PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST $15 | $12 MEMB/CONC Book Launch Cusp By Mary Anne Butler As the tropical sun sets on the 2020 NTWF, join award-winning Darwin playwright Mary Anne Butler for the launch of her latest work, Cusp.

Her book, which follows on from her successful stage production, juxtaposes the majestic landscapes of the Top End with the turbulent lives of three teenagers.

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 6.30-7PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST FREE Festival Endnotes It’s time to party! Join NTWF writers, volunteers and staff for drinks, food and tunes to celebrate the 2020 NT Writers Festival.

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 7-8.30PM AT GBDBG VISITOR CENTRE COST FREE

NT Writers Festival

WHEN THU 1 – SUN 4 OCT INFO ntwriters.com.au/

facebook.com/ ntwritersfestival

L-R: Operations Manager Damien Johns, Chair of the DFS Jeff Coulter, DIFF Manager Blandine Ruffo and Deckchair Manager James Parker

Deckchair

JERVOIS ROAD, DARWIN WATERFRONT

COST INFO

CINEMA

$16 | $12 CONC | $10 MEMB | $35 FAM deckchaircinema.com | 8941 4377 | GATES 6PM, FILM 7.30PM

School Holiday Program

2020 Vision IN A WORLD where technology is changing every day, having the latest state-of-the-art tech is no easy task, especially for a little self-funded, not-for-profit cinema.

The whole family’s invited to enjoy an awesome line up of family friendly films. Screening times have been brought forward by half an hour thanks to the bright new projector, so you can enjoy a movie under the stars and still get the kids to bed on time!

But Deckchair Cinema has been saving its pennies over the years to purchase a brand-new $150,000 laser projector, bringing the cinema up to date with the highest industry standards.

Babe

WHEN FRI 2 & TUE 6 OCT | 7PM

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs

H is for Happiness Fun fact: this film is inspired by Darwin writer Barry Jonsberg’s book, My Life As an Alphabet.

WHEN SAT 3 & FRI 9 OCT | 7PM

WHEN SUN 11 OCT | 7PM

The Secret Garden WHEN SAT 10 OCT | 7PM

The new projector is a native 4K with the brightness and contrast of an IMAX cinema. Deckchair’s General Manager James Parker says it’s an important upgrade that’s been a long time coming.

“The cinema has been growing over years and has now become the flagship cinema for Darwin. We only require the one projector, so we can afford to make it the best and we’ve been saving for this for a long time.

We hold major special events and film premieres, so we really need the best equipment,” he says.

“We don’t receive any core funding, and we’re a not-for-profit association, so we’ve been able to save enough money to pay for the projector from customers buying tickets and through our membership program.”

The new 35,000 lumen laser phosphor projector couldn’t have

arrived at a better time, getting a great run at last month’s Darwin International Film Festival – the first physical international film festival to go ahead post-coronavirus in 2020.

“We had 50,000 visitors last year, and even though 2020 has played out a bit differently, we still have lot of loyal customers that continue to come and watch films. Without them, the Deckchair simply wouldn’t exist!”

Make tracks to Darwin City’s only cinema and settle in for a night of cinema under the stars – who knows what your support could lead to.

Open every night

P A U L H E R O N 0421 060 838

Experienced & Trusted Property Advice SELLING

PURCHASING

LEASING

NORTHERN TERRITORY WRITERS’ CENTRE

8941 2651 ntwriters.com.au executive@ntwriters.com.au Workshops | Monthly Events | Opportunities

Deckchair Cinema is one of the most iconic cinemas in Australia. Nestled in the remnant rainforest below the cliffs right beside the harbour you can find beautiful tropical tranquility right in the heart of the city. Come and enjoy carefully curated eclectic films at the cinema where stars light the screen.

• • • • •

Eclectic selection of films every night of the week Food served every night from select local caterers Licensed kiosk with a great selection of local products Deckchairs, cushions and insect repellent provided Book online at deckchaircinema.com

deckchaircinema.com 9

16 Fri

7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry

Thu

15 Sanctuary (opening) 15 Bone Dry, Loose Group (opening) 19 Daryl Barba 19 Friday Knock Offs @ Dom’s

22 Wed

4 Bitumen & Dirt (opens) 5 Watercolours Course 12 Geek Squad 19 Thursday Live @ Dom’s

28 6 Get Job Ready 12 Halloween Skate Night 17 Robert in Crisis

See Food & Drink 7

23 Fri

7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry 19 Daryl Barba 19 Friday Knock Offs @ Dom’s

See Performing Arts 17

Sat Sun

14 Marnie Jay: Born to be Wild (last chance)

Sat

Fri

6 Milonga: Tango Dance Party 7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry 17 Robert in Crisis 19 Daryl Barba 19 Friday Knock Offs @ Dom’s

30

6 Malak Marketplace (last chance) 6 Yoga Asana Class 6 Learn To Make Your Own Findings 7 Poolside Saturdays @ Cossies 7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry

24

6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine

17 18 6 Malak Marketplace 6 Yoga Asana Class 7 Poolside Saturdays @ Cossies 7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry 15 Lindsay and Friends (opens) 19 Darwin City Brass Band’s Oktoberfest

See Around Town 5

Thu

5 Drawing: The Line, The Cube and The Sphere

29

17 Robert in Crisis

5 Watercolours Course 12 Geek Squad 15 The Waste/Waist Line (last chance) 19 Thursday Live @ Dom’s

See Visual Arts 14

25

Sun

5 Mango Madness Festival

18 Spirit & Hope

Sat

6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine 14 The Moment Eternal: Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu (last chance) 19 Last Sunday Jam

31

6 Halloween Bowling Party 6 Yoga Asana Class 7 Poolside Saturdays @ Cossies 13 Night Gardens (last chance) 14 In Focus: Supporting Local Artists (last chance) 15 Sanctuary (last chance) 15 Artists in the Park (last chance) 17 Robert in Crisis

19

Mon

5 Photoshop Course 5 Remedial Massage Course 5 Language Courses 6 NT Performing Arts Awards (nominations close)

See Around Town 5

See Music 18

20

Tue

Mon

5 Computer Basics 5 Language Courses 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 6 Samba Choreography Series 6 Argentine Tango Practica 7 The Vue Seniors 2-Course Lunch Deal 17 The 91-Storey Treehouse 19 Come and Try Brass 19 Jam Night

26

5 Photoshop Course 5 Remedial Massage Course 5 Language Courses 14 Katherine Prize (entries close)

21

27

Wed

6 Get Job Ready

Tue

5 Computer Basics 5 Take a Spin Level 2 5 Language Courses 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 6 Samba Choreography Series 6 Argentine Tango Practica 7 The Vue Seniors 2-Course Lunch Deal 17 Robert in Crisis (opens) 17 Magic Beach 19 Jam Night

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

offtheleash.net.au

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

Thu

Sat

6 Malak Marketplace 6 Yoga Asana Class 6 Learn To Make Your Own Findings 7 Poolside Saturdays @ Cossies 7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry 9 The Secret Garden 17 Schnitz N Giggles

10

6 Theatre Making Intensive 6 School Holiday Fun 12 Get That Job! CPR Refresher 12 Geek Squad 19 Thursday Live @ Dom’s

8

6 Malak Marketplace Pop Up at Howard Park 6 Kakadu Bird Week 2020 6 School Holiday Fun 7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry 8 NT Writers Festival 9 Babe 12 Get That Job! White Card 13 Marrawuddi Arts (opens) 13 Night Gardens (opening) 16 In Motion 17 Be A Yes Person

2

Calendar Thu

NT WRITERS FESTIVAL

1

Wed

6 Show in a Day Theatre and Tech 6 Kakadu Bird Week 2020 6 School Holiday Fun 8 NT Writers Festival (opens) 12 Geek Squad 17 Be A Yes Person 19 Thursday Live @ Dom’s

7 6 Theatre Making Intensive 6 School Holiday Fun 6 Get Job Ready

See Around Town 6

6 Open Native, Edible & Verge Garden: Brinkin

See Music 18

Sun

18 REBOUND 2020 Music Festival

11

9 H is for Happiness

6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine 6 Making Shift Masterclass 19 Daryl Barba

3

Sat

6 Kakadu Bird Week 2020 6 Malak Marketplace 6 Yoga Asana Class 7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry 8 NT Writers Festival 9 Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs 14 Marnie Jay: Born to be Wild (opens) 17 Schnitz N Giggles 17 Be A Yes Person 19 Bubba Roro’s Bush Baptism

4

20

20

Sun

8 NT Writers Festival (last chance)

6 Aqua Fitness 6 Movement Medicine 19 First Sunday Blues

Mon

OCT See Books & Film 9

12

5 Photoshop Course 5 Remedial Massage Course 5 Language Courses

See Books & Film 8

Tue

See Visual Arts 13

13

5 Computer Basics 5 Language Courses 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 6 Samba Choreography Series 6 Argentine Tango Practica 7 The Vue Seniors 2-Course Lunch Deal 19 Jam Night

5

9

Mon

6 School Holiday Fun

Fri

Wed

6 School Holiday Fun 7 Shaw + Smith @ PepperBerry 9 Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs 15 The Waste/Waist Line (opening) 16 Don’t Feed the Ducks 19 Friday Knock Offs @ Dom’s 19 Daryl Barba

14

6 Get Job Ready

6

Tue

6 Theatre Making Intensive 6 School Holiday Fun 6 Gadgets and Games Club 6 Storytime 6 Spicy Salsa Classes 6 Argentine Tango Practica 7 The Vue Seniors 2-Course Lunch Deal 9 Babe 12 AFL Clinic 19 Jam Night

See Visual Arts 14

Thu

14 Baubo’s Garden (opening)

15

5 Watercolours Course 12 Geek Squad 19 Thursday Live @ Dom’s

LISTINGS

YOUTH

SPOOKY SKATES T’S THAT TIME of year again… Get ready to don your spookiest threads for LAUNCH Darwin’s Halloween Skate Night!

In addition to being able to spend the night rolling with a bunch of champs, there’s the chance to score a $50 voucher for Shiner Town Skate School for the scariest get up.

LAUNCH Darwin’s Skate Development Officer Hannah Illingworth says it’s one of the most antici-

pated skate nights on the annual calendar.

“The Halloween Skate is always super fun and a bit silly, and is a great way to come together at the park. The skating community is really creative so it’s another way we can all connect,” she says.

“You don’t even have to be a good rider – you could be new to scene, and this is your chance to get outdoors and hang down the park.”

Youth

Pro file

Fruit snacks are supplied and everyone is encouraged to bring their own water bottles.

We caught up with him for a chat.

Tell us about LAUNCH Media – what is it?

LAUNCH Media is a media team under LAUNCH Darwin, which provides a platform for young people to develop skills on how to operate and market through social media. We also cover events during Youth Week, and other LAUNCH events throughout the year.

12

What’s your role in LAUNCH Media?

Photography is one of my passions, so I take photos for LAUNCH events, workshops and other things when they need it.

What inspired you to get involved?

I love fun ideas, experiencing new things and recording the interesting moments in my life. Social media is a new platform to share content with the public, so I think it’s great to learn more about it, which is why I signed up.

What are some of the fun projects you’ve been part of?

Me and a few of my teammates have been part of the LAUNCH.ed Online program, which is a digital adaption mentoring program created due to the COVID19 lockdown.

WHEN FRI 2 OCT | 8.30AM-4.30PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY COST FREE | $25 WHITE CARD

ISSUE PAYMENT

INFO launchdarwin.com.au AFL Clinic City of Darwin has teamed up with AFL NT for this fun footy clinic at TIO Stadium during the

So bring your skates, skateboards, scooters, bikes and rollerblades, and get ready for a night of freaky fun on wheels.

Halloween Skate Night WHEN WED 28 OCT | 6-8PM AT JINGILI SKATE PARK COST FREE INFO launchdarwin.com.au

LAUNCHed.online INFO launchdarwin.com.au/ launched-creators

Kevin Huang 25-YEAR-OLD CDU graduate Kevin Huang has creativity running in his veins, recently completing a Bachelor of Design, making his decision to join LAUNCH Media a bit of a no-brainer.

Get That Job! Free White Card Training If you’re a young person aged 15-25 keen to gain new skills in the events, trade or construction industry, this free workshop is for you! Come along to this free school holiday workshop and gain your White Card accreditation. Topics covered include safe work practices, risk management principles, safety signage, and more. Limited spots available, registration required.

Lunch provided.

school holidays. Designed to teach beginners aged 12-17 the fundamentals, and challenge those who love playing AFL, the clinic also features healthy living workshops hosted by Headspace Darwin and Menzies Health Lab. Participants can also also snacks, lunch and a waterslide to cool down at the end.

WHEN TUE 6 OCT | 9AM-3PM AT TIO STADIUM COST FREE INFO launchdarwin.com.au Get That Job! Free CPR Refresher These school holidays present the perfect opportunity to refresh your CPR skills for free by getting hands on, practising technique and refining your knowledge of giving CPR. But register your spot stat – places are limited. Snacks provided.

WHEN THU 8 OCT | 12-4.30PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY COST FREE INFO launchdarwin.com.au Geek Squad If you’re aged 13-19 and have a love for all things geeky, from anime to gaming and everything in-between, then why not join Geek Squad?

Spend an hour with like-minded peeps and make new friends.

WHEN EVERY THU | 3.30-4.30PM AT CITY OF PALMERSTON LIBRARY

COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Snap

HAPPY SLIDE Youth Dance's Beam Me Up, Kate by @iam_one_out

TAG #launchdarwin for a chance to see your pics here AFL Clinic by @tymunna_clements

My project is Darwin Street Chats, which is a series of interviews with people to get their thoughts on hot topics related to the pandemic, like the borders reopening and getting through COVID. Career-wise, what do you hope to do in future?

I would love to become an urban planner one day – I want to build something that benefits the community and might help them in daily life.

What’s a perfect weekend in D-Town for you?

Definitely having BBQ with friends at Nightcliff Foreshore early evening –watching the sunset and relaxing always makes me happy!

Songwriting Crash Course by @throughtaliseyes

Year 12 acoustic duo @jaynajoanneduo

VISUAL ARTS Art U&T

ABO

with Marrawuddi Arts Manager Katie Hagebols

Mural artwork by artists Ellie Hannon, Graham Rostron, Abel Naborlhborlh, Selone Djandomerr, Ray Mudjandi, Rosie Mudjandi, Aysha Alderson and Nonica Hardy

JABIRU

CALLING arrawuddi Gallery has been housed in the Bowali Visitor Centre for a number of years, providing a platform for almost 300 Indigenous artists from the Kakadu region to showcase their work over the years.

This month, the doors are flung open to the new digs of Marrawuddi Arts. We caught up with Manager Katie Hagebols for a chat.

Tell us about Marrawuddi Arts – what is it?

Marrawuddi Arts is owned and managed by Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of the Mirarr Traditional Owners.

In recent years, Marrawuddi has expanded beyond its historical gallery role to become a vibrant Community Art Centre supporting Bininj (Indigenous) artists across the Kakadu region

and providing a retail outlet where the public can access extraordinary artworks.

What made the old Jabiru Bakery the perfect choice for your new digs?

Location, location, location! And, of course, the vast potential of the larger location, allowing for a wonderful workshop and retail space with the huge potential for outdoor engagement, for example weaving and painting spaces.

What obstacles did you come across, being in a biosecurity location during the pandemic?

We were extremely lucky to be trapped in Kakadu – we have an amazing backyard and our main priority was, and is, to keep community safe. However, with that came its challenges – irregular food deliveries, food prices and reduced community engagement.

We also had the unfortunate circumstance of Bowali Visitor Centre, Marrawuddi Gallery’s previous home, closing for maintenance the week we were supposed to re-open, so we haven’t had an operating space since March this year!

The Jabiru bill recently passed the senate, handing the town and post-mining future of the region back into Mirarr control. What’s the response been like in Jabiru?

There’s been a real juxtaposed vibe in Jabiru, obviously with the closure of Ranger Mine – a lot of families are leaving Jabiru – but then there’s this undercurrent of exciting change and renewal.

Traditional Owners Simon Mudjandi says, “We look forward to welcoming people to Jabiru and Kakadu to learn about out our country and culture. As the town changes, we hope Jabiru will be recognised around the world as a significant cultural hub, a place where learning about living culture is accessible in a meaningful way.”

controlled arts centre, embodies the post-mining direction of Jabiru and will be a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike.

The new Marrawuddi Arts will play an important role in that.

Tell us – when can we visit Marrawuddi?

The new Art Centre opens to the public on Fri 2 Oct and we are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors from then onwards!

Having Mirarr land being handed back to Mirarr Traditional Owners is so historic in their massive journey of protecting country and culture.

Marrawuddi Arts WHEN OPENING FRI 2 OCT, 1PM | GALLERY HOURS MON-FRI,

As one of the young Mirarr

facebook.com/marrawuddi

What do you hope this new location does for the community and artists of the region?

Marrawuddi, as an Aboriginal-

We hope the new location creates a welcoming space for both tourists and artists, engaging and exchanging Kakadu’s rich 65,000 plus years of Indigenous culture.

9AM-4PM, SAT & SUN, 9AM-2PM

AT 2 GREGORY PLACE, JABIRU INFO marrawuddi.com.au | instagram.com/marrawuddi

AUDIT HOUSE

2 Burnett Place, Larrakeyah | 8981 2848 | nationaltrust.org.au MON-FRI 9AM-2PM | SAT & SUN 10AM–3PM

Marita Albers, 'Love in the Time of Corona', 2020, acrylic on canvas, 45x60cm

Night Gardens LOCAL ARTIST MARITA ALBERS is known for vivid colours, birds and tropical foliage in her work, but becoming a serious artist was something that happened quite accidentally.

“I started painting seriously when I moved to Darwin in 2001. I’d done a couple of paintings that I’d given to out as gifts, but when I started working in a café – Relish, it was called, where Kurt’s Cakes is now – they said their walls were a bit blank and they wanted to do something about it,” she says.

“I said ‘I’m an artist’, so they let me do a bunch of paintings to cover the walls, and I sold five in the first week. That’s how it all started.”

Marita opens her first solo exhibition in two years, the second to

be held at the historic Audit House after Marnie Jay’s Born to be Wild last month.

room with space, tropical Darwin architecture and that real 1980s feel with cane furniture – it’s just lovely.”

Marita won third place for an artwork submitted to Pandamonia – an exhibition hosted by the Federal MP for Solomon, Luke Gosling, to share the talent of local Territory artists. The National Trust sponsored third place, which is how the opportunity to exhibit at Audit House came about.

Marita spent the last six months producing and selling art out of a little shop she temporarily occupied in Air Raid Arcade, and says she’s excited about putting on a solo exhibition.

Marita says the space lends itself to exhibiting artwork.

“I think the space makes it better.

As I mostly paint tropical themes, Night Gardens has a real kind of jungley, tropical flow, with starry skies,” she says.

“It’ll be good. This is a nice opportunity to have a focus, and to fill that beautiful space in Audit House. Dom’s Bar is also doing the bar for opening night, which is exciting, so there’s food and drinks in the garden before the show. I don’t know what I’m more excited about!”

WHEN FRI 2 OCT – SAT 31 OCT “Artwork hung in a big louvered

OPENING FRI 2 OCT, 5-8PM

13

VISUAL ARTS ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS Lyons Cottage, 74 The Esplanade, Darwin | 8942 4023 aboriginalbushtraders.com MON-FRI 9AM-4PM, SAT 9AM-3PM

IN FOCUS: SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISTS Aboriginal Bush Traders, located in the historic Lyons Cottage on Darwin’s Esplanade, is a 100% not-for-profit organisation committed to selling ethically sourced and sustainable products that directly support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A proud member of the Indigenous Art Code, when you shop with Aboriginal Bush Traders, you are directly supporting community arts centres and independent artists.

This month, they focus on the local artists that stock the retail gallery with stunning paintings, hand woven fibre and carved sculpture artworks.

UNTIL SAT 31 OCT

Brian and Jeanette Lambert with 2019 winner Danny Murphy and his winning work 'Earthly Delights'.

45th Katherine Prize

IN 1975, GENEROUS benefactors Jeanette and Brian Lambert founded the Katherine Prize, an art award to acknowledge and celebrate Territory artists.

“It provides professional development opportunities for artists, allowing them to showcase their work and nurture their development.”

Held annually at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre (GYRACC), it’s the longest running art award in the Northern Territory.

This year, the awards return to celebrate a huge 45 years.

The number of works submitted to the awards varies each year, with about 60 works accepted in 2019.

But a change in the criteria this year could see these numbers increase.

GYRACC Curator Brendan Penzer says the purpose of the awards is to support Territory talent.

“It’s a regional art prize that extends to people across the NT. What’s amazing is the philanthropic commitment from the Lamberts – who have supported the awards for 45 years,” he says.

“The awards had a condition in the past where works had to have a connection to the NT, which seemed a little vague – I think all artists that reside in the NT have a connection, so we’ve changed that this year to be open to all works from Territory artists,” Penzer says.

think they should be limited by conditions. It can be anything – artists make all kinds of different things.”

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher Street, The Gardens | 8999 8264 | magnt.net.au MON–SUN 10AM-5PM

THE MOMENT ETERNAL: NYAPANYAPA YUNUPIŊU

Categories are broken into several categories, with some serious cash up for grabs. The winner of the Katherine Town Council Award will take home $2,000, and $5,000 goes to the overall winner of the Brian and Jeanette Lambert Award.

Submissions are open now, with winning pieces exhibited from next month.

WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE

“As a curator, I love to see people’s best work and what they do, I don’t

MAGNT

MON 26 OCT

INFO gyracc.org.au info@gyracc.org.au

Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, 'Ganyu (Stars)', 2019, earth pigment on compressed fibre board, 4K digital video projection, 241x363.2x6cm

The moment eternal: Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋgu brings together a diverse collection of significant paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and screen based works that chart the dramatic evolution of Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋgu’s practice.

This retrospective solo exhibition presents a rare opportunity for audiences to view a large display of historic and contemporary works created by Yunupiŋgu.

UNTIL SUN 25 OCT

MARNIE JAY ARTS Coolalinga Central Shopping Centre, Coolalinga | marniejay.com THU-FRI, 12-6PM, SAT, 9-5PM, SUN, 10-3PM

TACTILE ARTS

19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay | 8981 6616 | tactilearts.org.au

BAUBO’S GARDEN

Photo: Catherine Buckley

DAILY 10AM-4PM

Ceramicist Sandra Lancaster revives her exploration of Baubo, the obscure Greek goddess of humour who heals with love and laughter, through her ceramic and mixed media sculptures morphing man-made objects with local natural forms.

Marnie Jay, 'The State School', 2020, Acrylic on Canvas, 30x25cm

MARNIE JAY: BORN TO BE WILD

The fertility of the land is compromised. There is need for laughter. Baubo is now in Darwin immersing herself in the lush, multi coloured plants that abound. This is her garden.

WHEN FRI 9 OCT – SUN 1 NOV

14

OPENING FRI 9 OCT, 5.30PM

Sandra Lancaster, 'Lounge Lizard', 2019, ceramic, various dimensions.

Born to be Wild is a collection of recent works that includes Marnie’s signature Old Darwin theme, Top End birds, a few florally bits and an alpine dingo named Pumbah.

The exhibition title honours Marnie’s birthplace at Myilly Point, and acknowledges that all native wildlife has the right to live free in

their natural habitat.

Originally exhibited at Audit House at Myilly Point, the exhibition now travels past The Berrimah Line to Marnie Jay Art’s shop at Coolalinga Central.

WHEN SAT 3 OCT – SUN 18 OCT

UNTITLED

Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove | darwincommunityarts.org WED-FRI 11AM-4PM | SAT 10AM–2PM | CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

THE WASTE/WAIST LINE

BY LIZ GRYLLS

“Waste not, want not. I am not being wasted” - Margaret Attwood We consume images within magazines as normal and ideal. We waste money and time pouring over them, with images of waists that few can achieve, which ironically ends up as waste. Magazines and text have been used to create 2D and 3D works, symbolising the wasting of resources and waistlines.

WHEN FRI 9 OCT – THU 29 OCT | OPENING FRI 9 OCT, 6-8PM

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS

ART I HOMEWARES I BUSHFOODS | TEXTILES I CAFE I FASHION I BOOKS LYONS COTTAGE, 74 THE ESPLANADE | WEEKDAYS: 9AM-4PM | SAT: 9AM-2PM ABORIGINALBUSHTRADERS.COM | (08) 8931 6650

Liz Grylls, 'Waste today, want tomorrow', 2020, Mixed media on paper, 29.4x42cm

DARWIN VISUAL ARTS

Ground Floor, Harbour View Plaza, 8 McMinn St, Darwin | 8981 9351 | dvaa.net.au TUE - FRI 12PM-5PM | SAT 10AM-3PM

SANCTUARY

BY SUSAN PENFOLD The paintings in Sanctuary are a representation of the life that artist Susan Penfold has built in Darwin. Good friends, a home that visitors have called a sanctuary, glorious comfy red chairs and waterlilies, and the home’s surroundings – the trees, the sea, and the amazing sky. Having won the Seabreeze Festival Jetty Art Prize in 2020, this is Susan’s first exhibition.

She has lived in Darwin for the last 16 years.

WHEN FRI 16 – SAT 31 OCT | OPENING FRI 16 OCT, 6-8PM Susan Penfold, 'Nightcliff Sunrise', 2020, pastel, 40x40cm

GYRACC

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre Stuart Highway, Katherine East | 8972 3751 | gyracc.org.au TUE–FRI 10AM-5PM | SAT 10AM–3PM

Artists in the Park

Janelle Fisher, 'Green pygmy geese', 2020, pencil on paper, 42x30cm

Enjoy this showcase of artists who have participated in the Territory Wildlife Park artist residency and public art commission programs, curated by Jasmine Jan, over the past decade.

UNTIL SAT 31 OCT

BONE DRY, LOOSE GROUP Bone Dry explores current and future water issues and concerns in the Katherine region. Loose Group is a fluid community of Katherine artists who come together to collaborate and share knowledge and ideas, including Danny Murphy, Fiona Campbell, Helen Aland, Izzy Ibis, Jayne Nankivell, Kate Ganley, Mandy Tootell and Toni Tapp-Coutts.

WHEN FRI 16 OCT – SAT 14 NOV

OPENING FRI 16 OCT, 6-8PM

PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY

Harriet Place, Darwin | 8941 2220 | pauljohnstonegallery.com.au WED–FRI 10AM-5PM | TUE & SAT 10AM–2PM

LINDSAY AND FRIENDS In 2019, Paul Johnstone Gallery hosted Lindsay Malay’s first exhibition. Held in conjunction with Warmun Art Centre, the show was a sell out, with many collectors curious about Linsday’s style.

Due to COVID-19, Lindsay has spent most of 2020 on his grandmother's country at Yulumbu (Tableland Station). Isolated in the Wet season and stranded in the Dry, Lindsay’s works have been painted about country, on country, using his extraordinary artistic ability to teach his family about law and culture.

WHEN SAT 17 OCT – SAT 7 NOV

Lindsay Malay, 'Going Home', natural ochre and pigment on canvas, 150x150cm

15

PERFORMING ARTS

Photo: Joshua Griffen

MY HETHERINGTON’S NEWEST show happened by accident.

But after selling out all four of her Darwin Festival shows, and her original slot in The Studio at Darwin Entertainment Centre (DEC), this local lady’s been upgraded to the biggest indoor stage in town.

We caught up with her for a chinwag.

DON’T FEED THE DUCKS

Your show originally scheduled in DEC’s Studio sold out, but it’s been upgraded to The Playhouse – how does that make you feel?

Overwhelmed. And very excited.

When I saw the Studio space had sold out in 24 hours, I had a little moment of ‘overwhelmed cry’ because it was just like, oh wow, that’s insane.

I’d written on the poster ‘One Night Only’, so I talked to [DEC General Manger] Coryn, and he said he had no doubt that it needed to go to The Playhouse, so I was like, oh okay, I didn’t know that was an option for a little local comedian.

When I started comedy, it was my hairy, audacious goal. I used to see comedy shows at The Playhouse and I’d poke my husband Paul in the ribs and say, “one day, I’ll do a show up there,” and it turns out all I needed was a global pandemic.

There have been a lot of silver

linings this year. What are some others?

Darwin Festival in itself being a local festival, and all the shows about 95 percent selling out was very cool. Also the new skills I’ve learnt for work and promotion.

The show itself wasn’t going to exist… Without COVID, there would be no show! I was going to write it over the year, and I wasn’t sure what it was about yet. I got an Arts NT grant to do some writing out at Rozak House, which was so great.

I got the Brown’s Mart residency first, then the Arts NT residency, and neither would have happened without COVID. You’re right – they are silver linings. Tell us about Don’t Feed the Ducks.

Well, it has absolutely nothing to do with ducks, nothing at all! It’s about parenting – I’m at the stage where we’re trying for a kid. It’s about the realisation that every adult around me knows nothing about being an adult, and how scary that is to think that you’re raising a kid.

It’s part about fears, part about parenting, part reflecting on my own childhood and the madness of that, but then how that madness has made me who I am. It’s a contemplative show but it’s very over-sharing, very bizarre, because in lockdown weird thoughts popped into my head and that’s kind of come through in the comedy.

What was the response like for your Festival show?

It’s the most scared I’ve been performing, as there’s a lot of stuff that wasn’t tested before, and an audience of people who had bought tickets, rather than a free open mic gig.

But the energy was so good, Darwin audiences are great! Darwin people are the best because they really support locals and I think a lot of them just really needed a laugh after the year we’ve had.

Why should peeps come along and see it?

Well it’s the first time a local Darwin comedian has had a solo show at the Darwin Entertainment Centre, which is pretty great? It’s also a good show to see with parents, because it’s a bit reflective about the role of parents – there’s a bit of rudeness, so as long as they can handle that…

And it’s a good one for the girls! The show’s at 7.30pm, so you can grab a few pre-show cocktails and book a late dinner afterwards. Why not?

WHEN FRI 9 OCT | 7.30PM AT COST

$30

INFO

yourcentre.com.au

facebook.com/ amyhetheringtoncomedy

Gaining Momentum DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE’S In Motion series, held every Saturday during July when the Top End emerged from the pandemic lockdown period, gave local artists the chance to showcase their skills and earn some money during exceptional times for the arts and entertainment industry.

In addition to putting money into the pockets of local creatives, local audiences got to experience bitesize bursts from Territory creatives, earning them new fans and providing the opportunity to ease back into live performance.

In Motion returns for one special night this month, a natural step according to DEC’s Acting General Manager Coryn Huddy, given its outstanding reception.

16

“In simple terms – people want it!

It’s just been brilliant in terms of exposure and opportunities,” he says.

The format is simple, but effective, whereby ticket holders move through the spaces of Darwin Entertainment Centre to experience a diverse rolling montage of four 15-minute performances.

This month, we’re treated to sneaky snippets from Impro Territory’s Kyle Walmsley and Sarah Reuben, who’ll bring stories and characters to life, thanks to the suggestions from the audience; a bold performance from Chung Wah Society’s Drum Routine Troupe in the loading dock; and a soulful performance from Prayer Corby, who brings her mix of originals, soul, pop and indie into an acoustic mix.

In more exciting news, Gary Lang

– Artistic Director of DEC Artist-in-Residence company NT Dance Company – comes out of retirement to bring together excerpts of old and new work in In Two’s.

Due to the many positive outcomes the initiative has prompted, this exciting creative local showcase may be here to stay.

“We had a ball, the artists had a ball, the attendees had a ball. We’re looking at rolling out an identical program and putting money back into the pockets of locals. It’s just such a cool initiative – we’d like In Motion to become a regular feature within our program,” Huddy says.

“The day things change and we can’t deliver something unique and different, we’ll ask ‘what’s the next thing we can do?’.”

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRE

Kyle Walmsley and Sarah Reuben In Motion WHEN FRI 2 OCT | 6.50PM AT

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST

$15

INFO

yourcentre.com.au

ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO run in April, Scott Gooding’s one-hour, one-man dark comedy, Robert in Crisis, finally takes its spot under the lights this month. Whilst cancelling was disappointing, Gooding feels fortunate to be in the Territory.

“I feel that we’re incredibly lucky up here to be able to still congregate and meet, and share stories, music and theatre. While it was disappointing [to cancel] at the time, we knew because Robert in Crisis is a solo show, it was much more achievable to reschedule,” he says.

At the time, Gooding was performing in the 12-strong cast of Michael Gow’s seminal Australian play Away, the four-week run cut short due to the unravelling and unpredictable health situation.

“We were cut down by at least one full week. By opening night, word had started to get around just how contagious this infection was,” he says.

COMICS'

CORNER SHOWCASING TOP END COMICS AND LOCAL STAND-UP PERFORMERS

“When we decided to postpone Robert in Crisis, we did so before mandatory closures. Even if we could open, we didn’t feel comfortable. The world, Australia especially at that point, was trying to grapple with what was going on. As this play has themes of male depression that goes throughout, we thought it might be a bit lost in the noise.”

For too long, the ‘teaspoon of cement’ mentality has prevented men from opening up about their mental health.

“As a male growing up with that rhetoric, it’s done more damage than good, which is why we’re talking about it and how, while saving whatever term of masculinity you want. It’s not a weakness, it’s a point of strength. One of the major downfalls for Robert in the play is that he doesn’t talk about it.”

Brown’s Mart Theatre has been setting some pretty large milestones this year, being the last theatre to close in the country before the COVID lockdowns came into effect and the first to reopen.

Gooding says he’s grateful to have such a devoted group of people campaigning for local theatre during an impossible year for the industry.

“Sean, Brad, Kelly, Kerrin and the Brown’s Mart team have done an amazing job in really difficult circumstances to get it all back up and running again.”

WHEN TUE 27 OCT – SAT 7 NOV

(EXCL. SUN & MON) | 7PM

AT

BROWN’S MART THEATRE

COST

$15-$35

INFO

brownsmart.com.au

In what has been a highly challenging year for many, 2020 presents the opportunity to address the topic of mental health.

The play centres on Robert, whose life is on the right track – he’s got a career, wife, house and kids – but that all unravels when his wife drops a bombshell. Gooding says he developed the play to start an important conversation.

Will Crawford caught up with her for a chat.

Tell us – what did you get up to during lockdown?

I was lucky – my radio job continued. I set up a home studio and was able to broadcast from there. But I lost my trivia nights and regular MC gigs. I’m way too social for my own good, so not being able to see my friends regularly was tough.

What were some cool things you noticed online during that time?

I loved the COVID-concerts, with so many artists performing from their lounge rooms. Darwin Live did a

Be A Yes Person Be A Yes Person is a magical, musical comedy cabaret, performed by people who have never sung, danced, joked or magicked on stage before. What could possibly go wrong?

In a year full of challenges, the time has come to Be A Yes Person with Amy Hetherington. You’re invited to try your hand at new art forms – some of you will step on stage for the very first time – you’re sure to tick something off your bucket list!

WHEN THU 1 – SAT 3 OCT | 7-9.30PM AT

BROWN’S MART THEATRE

COST

$35 | $25 CONC/GROUPS 8+

INFO

brownsmart.com.au

The 91-Storey Treehouse In this play by Richard Tulloch, adapted from the much-loved children’s book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, Andy and Terry’s Treehouse has reached an amazing 91-storeys and is now more fantastically dangerous than ever!

But Andy, Terry and Jill have no idea they’re about to face their biggest challenge yet... This is a Relaxed Performance, specially designed to welcome audiences with disability or sensory sensitivities, and their friends and families.

“Robert in Crisis doesn’t give answers, it just poses the question.

This is usually what I do with my work, I ask ‘what’s the discussion?’

For me as an artist and theatre maker, my role is to ask questions and provoke discussion,” he says.

MEL LITTLE IS one of the funniest humans getting around Darwin. A charismatic presenter on Territory FM and an entertaining MC, this wild local comedian is the driving force behind a new series of stand up shows, Schnitz N Giggles.

LISTINGS

ROBERT IN CRISIS

“We’ve started a Champion Program, where we’ve reached out to a number of male leaders to come along with five of their male-identifying friends for an informal discussion afterwards, to chat about what we can do about male depression and what options there are.”

fantastic series of online gigs with local musicians and comedians, making sure they were paid.

Amazing!

You’ve recently produced a series of stand up shows called Schnitz N Giggles, can you tell us a bit about it?

Who doesn’t love a schnitty and a good giggle? We have so many talented funny humans here in the NT, and I just wanted to share a stage with all of them, so this was the easiest way I could come up with to achieve that and also get fed. If you come along, expect a big schnitz and even bigger giggles!

How did you get into stand up?

What was your first stand up gig like?

I was living on the Sunny Coast in QLD and the local radio station was running a comp called Funny Bugger. My mates encouraged me to

enter, but my then partner didn’t...

He didn’t think I was funny at all!

First prize was a trip to Scotland to perform at The Edinburgh Comedy Festival.

I made a deal with him – if I lost, he got to say “I told you so”, but if I won, I’d take my brother to Scotland and he could stay home. It was tough doing stand up for the first time but I had something to prove and you know what? My brother Heath and I had a blast in Scotland!

Schnitz N Giggles WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 7-10PM AT

HUMPTY DOO GOLF CLUB

WHEN SAT 10 OCT | 7-10PM

WHEN TUE 20 OCT | 5-6PM AT

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRE COST

$25

INFO

yourcentre.org.au

Magic Beach Every year, an everyday family go on a beach holiday. This isn’t just any beach – it’s Magic Beach, where everything you can imagine becomes real. But this year is different. As the eldest child begins to grow up, does she have to leave the magic behind? Alison Lester AM’s classic book Magic Beach comes to life on The Playhouse stage, in a wonderful world of text, song, light, shadow and movement for children aged 3-8 and their adults.

AT

DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB

COST

$30 SHOW | $45 DINNER

AT

& SHOW

CENTRE

INFO

facebook.com/

COST

$25

INFO

yourcentre.org.au

WHEN TUE 27 OCT | 4.30-5.30PM

mellittleentertainment

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

17

MUSIC

LIME CORDIALE on the REBOUND Photo Jack Shephard

Get ready, Darwin, REBOUND Music Festival is descending upon Darwin Ski Club with an exciting lineup of some of the best music acts getting around.

REBOUND 2020 Music Festival WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 2PM-MIDNIGHT AT DARWIN SKI CLUB INFO facebook.com/darwinevents | dtix.com.au | limecordiale.com SYDNEY POP ROCKERS Lime Cordiale, fronted by brothers Oli and Louis Leimbach, are hitting the Darwin stage for the first time, after a whirlwind couple of years and a chart-topping album release during the global pandemic. We caught up with Oli for a chinwag.

A music festival – how exciting.

Is REBOUND your first gig post COVID-lockdown?

It’s our first big proper gig, but we did a whole bunch of shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle, but only to 80-120 people at a time.

We did two gigs per night and we did that for about six weeks, so it was about 35 shows all up.

That was pretty interesting because we were getting more and more used to playing to bigger crowds, and to snap back into those intimate shows was a bit of a shock to the system. But yeah, this will be our first proper show to a decent crowd, and also our first show in Darwin!

Darwin is very excited! Have you been here before?

Yeah, Louis and I came to Darwin when we were kids. I was eight and he was about six, and we drove from Darwin to Alice Springs and slept in swags on the side of the road. It was something our parents wanted to do, so we’ve got great

memories of that. We’ve been meaning to come back to Darwin and this is the first time we’ve had a really good reason to get up there.

How long will you be in town for?

We’ll be in town for about three days. It’s Louis’ birthday on the 2nd, so we might try to get out and do something fun that night, then it’s the festival the next day before we head out of town on the Sunday.

It’s funny, in order to even be able to play this festival, we had to be out of a hot spot for two weeks before heading up, so we’ve been on the Central Coast north of Sydney doing recording and writing.

So, you’ve put a bit of effort into even being able to get up here?

Yeah definitely, and I was surprised when I told the rest of the band, “you know how we’ve got that Darwin gig?” and they just presumed it wouldn’t happen. I said “well, it can happen, but we can’t be home for two weeks before we get there, we’ve got to go up the coast” and they were like, “sweet!”

I was really surprised that everyone was just super down for it from the start. Everyone’s craving doing something like this – even just getting on a plane, let alone playing at a music festival. Everyone just

Brothers, Oli & Louis Leimbach.

jumped at it real quick.

Well we sure appreciate it – we’ve missed our music festivals! You mentioned you’ve been doing a bit of writing – as artists, how have things been for you over the last few months?

Well, 2019 was a pretty intense year for us – we had 103 shows during the year with two American legs and a big European tour, and this year was gearing up to be easily busier than that. It was almost a bit scary going into this year, because we realised we wouldn’t really be home and our relationships might be stretched a bit.

So, when the American tours were cancelled and Europe was postponed, there was a small sense of relief in a weird way – not that we were happy it was cancelled – but because we had an album come out in July, so it was already full on in itself.

That lasted until pretty recently actually, and now we know what people are talking about not having that next thing to look forward to, not knowing what’s on the horizon.

Now we’re just kinda getting stuck into writing and recording, and we’re going to have a few more releases come out this year, just to keep everything going. That’s the main thing – how do you keep momentum up in a time like this?

You’ve just got to change and adapt, really.

That would've been such a bizarre experience during your album’s success – not really being able to go out and perform at gigs and festivals as you would normally?

Yeah, totally. And that’s why a lot of people have postponed their releases. That’s what everyone’s used to – releasing an album and doing a bunch of shows and that promotes the album organically.

Yes – your album 14 Steps to a Better You debuted at number one on the ARIA charts – that must feel pretty good?

Yeah, thanks! That was amazing.

It was super-busy for us – while everyone else and all of our friends were isolating and getting bored, we were busier than ever promoting the new album and getting everything together for the release.

So, for us, we did do those small shows, but we didn’t want to delay the release at all. But it is weird not doing a whole bunch of shows to back it up, and I’m sure that’ll come, but we’ve had to come up with other things in the meantime.

is a must-experience.

Themes of place and belonging continue throughout the night, the second piece a spirited performance of Joseph Haydn’s loved Cello Concerto No. 1, featuring Tooby himself on cello.

What can Top End audiences expect from one of your live shows?

We like to always pull a bit from

the unexpected – it’s pretty whacky.

People from Darwin who may not have seen us play before will just know us from our recorded music.

But I think it’s a pretty genuine experience – pretty weird and whacky – kind of like a bit of a house party experience.

And you’re in the band with your bro Louis – what’s that like?

We’re pretty co-dependent, but I don’t know if that’s unhealthy [laughs]. We’ve always lived together, we’ve toured together, most of our friends and girlfriends have had to spend a lot of time together. I guess the question’s more how do other people put up with it!

I guess we have some little fights, but we’ve been fighting our whole life, and we’re very good at getting over it in less than 10 minutes.

People might be come up to me or Louis and be like “oh, is he okay?” and we’re just like “give him 10 minutes and he’ll be fine” because we know how everything goes.

We’ve really evolved in the same way, in terms of liking the same music and doing the same things.

When we’re not touring, we’ll go surfing together and we even order the same coffee, so we probably should be factoring in a bit more separation – it’s probably healthier to do that [laughs].

DSO PRESENTS

Spirit & Hope DARWIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (DSO) returns to the Darwin Entertainment Centre stage this month to present the aptly named, three-part performance, Spirit and Hope.

DSO Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jonathan Tooby says the name reflects the current reality we find ourselves in.

18

“It’s very timely, I think. Everyone’s had such a difficult year. Even

travelling interstate, you sense each state’s experience is unique and so we feel not only disparate as individuals but as broader communities,” he says.

“All things considered, in the NT, we’ve been very lucky. What people overwhelming want to do is to be together and enjoy a sense of community, and I think community is pretty much what this concert speaks to.”

Kicking off the evening is the exciting premiere of Miyapunu by Galpu Songman, Guwanbal Gurruwiwi, and the DSO’s Netanela Mizrahi. Newly arranged for full orchestra and youth choir, this unique cross-cultural collaboration

“Netanela and Guwanbal have been collaborating for a long time on many different works and songs.

Just this year, they’ve recorded an album, soon to be released called The Djari Project, and Miyapunu is one of the songs from the project,” Tooby says.

“It’s a very beautiful song about place, community and belonging.

We have this large classical symphony orchestra born from a very conservative European tradition alongside a very spiritual traditional Indigenous story, sung by Guwanbal, it makes for a stunning combination”

“The program, which we actually curated last year – call it a fluke – fits perfectly with how the year has panned out. Two of the works speak a lot about place,” Tooby says.

The third piece is the deeply moving Symphony No. 2 by Jean Sibelius, a composer who wrote very much about Finland, his beloved home.

“Anyone who has heard his music will tell you it sounds warm and proud, as if he’s expressing

something very personal and dear to him. It is a large scale landscape piece that makes you feel connected, and although it has some darker moments, finishes with a very powerful and positive message which I think we all need,” Tooby says.

“This program is a beautiful journey from beginning to end, something to bring us all together.”

Spirit & Hope WHEN SAT 31 OCT | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST INFO

$20-$60 dso.org.au

OCTOBER

By Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts

GIG

OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the Top End. To find out more, head to offtheleash.net.au

/offtheleashmag

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

Darryl Barba Enjoy the acoustic sounds of Darryl Barba as he plays some favourites.

WHEN EVERY FRI | 6-9PM AT THE FORESHORE RESTAURANT & CAFE

WHEN SUN 11 OCT | 9AM-2PM AT NIGHTCLIFF MARKETS Darwin City Brass Band’s Oktoberfest Join in the fun of Oktoberfest with Darwin City Brass Band at one of the best places to be on a Saturday night in Darwin – Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Club. Enjoy traditional German music and a whole lot more. Prost!

WHEN SAT 17 OCT | 5-8PM AT DINAH BEACH CRUISING

REBOUND 2020 Music Festival There are a few things we’ve missed in 2020, one of those being the vibe and the atmosphere of music festivals.

This month, you’re invited to Darwin Ski Club to enjoy some of the biggest names in Aussie music at REBOUND Music Festival including Hermitude (DJ eet), Lime Cordiale, DJ Denim (Mallrat), No Money Enterprise, Illy, DRAFTDAY and more.

DOM’S BAR facebook.com/domsbardarwin

Bubba Roro’s Bush Baptism His holiness, Bubba RoRo, transcends upon Darwin for the pandanus pilgrimage. Dancing is a must!

WHEN SAT 3 OCT | 8PM COST FREE Thursday Live @ Dom’s Enjoy live local acts or catch a story or two with one of Dom’s famous cocktails in hand – you might skip straight to weekend mode!

WHEN EVERY THU | 6PM COST FREE – SOME EVENTS

Friday Knock Offs @ Dom’s

YACHT CLUB

darwincitybrassband

darwincitybrassband

WHEN AT COST INFO

HAPPENINGS IN THE RED CENTRE

DARWIN SKI CLUB $100 dtix.com.au

WHEN EVERY FRI | 4PM COST FREE

JAM NIGHTS & OPEN MIC

Enjoy a couple of cold drinks and embrace the atmosphere of local live music at the Pint Club.

WHEN SUN 4 OCT | 2-5PM AT PINT CLUB, MARRARA COST GOLD COIN DONATION

INFO

facebook.com/

Southeast Desert Metal playing at MONA FOMA, Launceston, 2019

IT’S ALL HAPPENING at The Black Wreath this October with wild DJs, live music and a special Halloween show.

firstsundayblues

Jam Night WHEN EVERY TUE | 9PM AT NIRVANA COST FREE INFO nirvanadarwin. com.au

Kick back with a cocktail and beats from a live DJ, and bring in your weekend at Dom’s.

DOWN

SAT 3 OCT | 2PM-MIDNIGHT

TICKETED

COST FREE INFO facebook.com/

Come And Try Brass WHEN TUE 20 OCT | 4.30-6.30PM AT 2 ABALA RD, MARRARA COST FREE | $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO facebook.com/

Headlining the festival is internationally renowned English talent and king of the UK dance charts, Example. Make tracks to the beach and soak up some incredible sounds by the sea!

The Track

Photo: Jett Street

guide

Last Sunday Jam Head along on the last Sunday of the month for live music by the sea.

WHEN SUN 25 OCT | 3-6PM AT DINAH BEACH YACHT CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/dbcya

If you’re not familiar with The Black Wreath, you should definitely get around it.

Originally started back in 2011 in response to the lack of pathways for musicians in the Central Australia region, the Wreath has since established itself as an incubator of alternative arts and the champion of heavy music in the Northern Territory.

The space is renowned for its openness and accessibility to First Nations musicians, supporting some of our favourite bands including the infamous Southeast Desert Metal. You might also know the Wreath for its annual festival, Blacken, which is now one of the most revered heavy metal music festivals in the country.

The Wreath crew has spent the last month recording album after album, including local legends The Holy Dimes, as well as Southeast’s third album. Now, they’re ready to get out of the little black box and turn the volume up on that sweet, sweet sound system of theirs.

First up, they’re hosting a Desert Festival performance of Madame and the Mafia, featuring Madame ZuZu. This is sure to be a wild night of cabaret and kink to knock your socks off and get those party juices flowing for October. Heads up – this is definitely not a family show – but

100% encouraged for anyone who’s ready for a titillating time.

We’re in for a bit of a doof with DJ Wrong Banana and a line-up of local DJs, armed with their deep electro beats. As well as these live events, the Wreath is launching a video clip they created onsite with Jeremy Whiskey for his new solo album. Is there anything these guys can’t do?

And things are about to get spooky in the Centre... Passionate and lovable Black Wreath founder, Pirate, says he’s got a special event planned for Halloween.

“Halloween and heavy metal have a shared love of the macabre… ‘The dark side’ and ‘horror’ have always been themes in the genre, so it’s really a great excuse for us to put on a big show.”

Halloween falls on a weekend this year, so there’s no doubt this is going to be a blow out night. Get ready to embrace the dark side.

Madame and the Mafia FRI 2 OCT | 8PM

Rainbow in the Dark: DJ Wrong Banana + guest DJs SAT 10 OCT | 8PM

Halloween SAT 31 OCT | 6PM

AT

THE BLACK WREATH

COST INFO

$10-$20

2 SMITH ST, ALICE SPRINGS facebook.com /theblackwreath

19 19

A MOVING EXPLORATION OF BEAUT Y, COURAGE AND HUMANIT Y

SAT 31 OCTOBER 7.30PM THE PLAYHOUSE, DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

TICKETS

BOOK NOW

$20 - $60. Groups of 4+ receive a 20% discount

dso.org.au/buy-tickets 08 8980 3333 PRESENTING PARTNER

featuring

For bookings, please visit www.darwintickets.com.au Ground Floor | Hilton Darwin | 32 Mitchell St

20