FINE ART WITH HEART
Last
HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Makers Markets at
THE SOCIAL SANCTUARY
RESISTANCE & REAL ESTATE
Well, here we are. The last edish of 2025. Being this time of year, things start to wind down across the NT, which you’ll see reflected in this edition. But what a year it’s been!
Gracing the cover of this double edition is a gorgeous work by Gaypalani Wanambi from Yirrkala, which took out the top prize at this year’s Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). It is a huge, incredible piece – that we highly recommend you admire in person – featuring intricate etchings on the back of stuck-together metal street signs that mimic the beating wings of bees. Gorgeous.
NATSIAA runs until the end of January at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, so you’ve still got two months to escape the heat and peruse the 71 exceptional works selected for this year’s exhibition. You’ll be blown away, as I always am, by the diverse range of works on display.
Of course, December brings with it festive celebrations aplenty. Palmerston’s Goyder Square transforms into a Christmas Wonderland, carols are sung by candlelight across the NT, and markets in the desert allow gift seekers to strike handmade treasures from their Christmas lists.
Our hard-working friends at Bustard Town take a monthlong breather, but not before a few last hurrahs in December. They hard-launch into 2026 later in January to celebrate the second anniversary of Croc Records – take it from me, this
THANK
is going to be one heck of a party.
In the desert, the cultural cornerstone that is The Black Wreath is sadly in a spot of bother, as the building it calls home has been put on the market. There’s a chance it can be saved, but not without the generosity of the community.
Rosie Wild writes about it on p. 23.
Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s Jon Tooby leads the orchestra through one last performance before he passes on the baton. I’m really going to miss our chats, he’s been a delight to work with over the years, so head along for what’s sure to be a very special night of music.
I’m so incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to do this year, the biggie being our fab lil’ facelift (nice one, Danny!) and engaging our wonderful new printers. Timelines have been tighter due to freight, but we’ve done it. I’m forever grateful to everyone that’s been part of the OTL family this year.
In OTL news, we farewell our Assistant Editor Rita for the best reason, as she and her partner patiently await the arrival of their first baby. We’ll miss you, Rita! That means we’ll be on the hunt for a new team member soon, so keep your eyes on our socials for news.
We’re taking a breather so we’re ready to hit 2026 with gusto. We’ll see you from the March edition. On behalf of the OTL board and team, we wish you and yours all the best this festive season. Catch you on the flipside!
FEATURE 4
AROUND TOWN 5
PERFORMING ARTS 8
BOOKS & FILM 17
VISUAL ARTS 18
EXPLORE 21
MUSIC 22
IN TOUCH editor@offtheleash.net.au
08 8941 7413 GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801
TEAM OFF THE LEASH
Tierney White
Managing Editor & Development Manager
Rita Horanyi Assistant Editor
Danny Crichton Graphic Designer
Contributors Rosie Wild
OUR COVER Cover proudly sponsored by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Gaypalani Wanambi, 'Burwu, blossom' (detail), 2025, etched steel panels, aerosol paint, 299x299x3cm. Courtesy of the artist and Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka. Photo: Georgina Campbell
This edition may contain the names, images, artworks and stories of people who have passed away. Please read with care.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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.
THE LEASH IS PROUDLY NOT-FOR-PROFIT
If you've got an exciting event or experience anywhere in the NT in March, we can help you get the word out. From free promotion on our website to cost-effective rates in our print magazine, there's something to suit all budgets.
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OTL is a Territory‑wide publication due to the generous support of Michael Sitzler, for all Territorians.
The Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) is the longest running and most prestigious First Nations art award in the country, gracing the walls of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) for over 40 years. You’ve got until the end of January to catch it.
WORDS RITA HORANYI
IMAGE GEORGINA CAMPBELL
THE 2025 TELSTRA NATSIAA features 71 exceptional works selected from over 200 entries, continuing the Awards’ legacy of showcasing the vibrancy of First Nations art from around the continent.
From humble beginnings as a 10-day exhibition with a prize pool of $2,000, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards has grown into an internationally recognised celebration of First Nations art, with a top prize of $100,000. It’s become a launching pad for the careers of some of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists.
Director of MAGNT, Adam Worrall, believes this elevation of First Nations artists is one of the most crucial aspects of the Awards.
“Many of Australia’s greatest Indigenous artists we first met through NATSIAA. They hadn’t had a national profile … and then they won a category or an Award, or they became a Finalist, and they are absolute rock stars around the world. It’s amazing to see that transformation,” he says.
As the country’s premier First Nations art award, the NATSIAA attracts upwards of 200 entries from every corner of the country, from remote art centres to urban hotspots. As a result, the Awards exhibit an extraordinarily diverse range of forms, from sculptures, bark paintings, etchings, and multimedia work to paintings on canvas and works on paper.
“Last year, I had the recently retired Director of the Louvre Museum come and stay with me and go to the show, and he couldn’t believe the diversity of Indigenous art in this country,” Worrall says.
“After he saw the show, I realised a lot of people’s understanding of Indigenous art – if they're from outside of Australia – is bark paintings with ochres and that’s it. People are really amazed to see contemporary works when they don’t have a lot of experience with Indigenous art, and this is on full display in every NATSIAA exhibition.”
Since its inception, the NATSIAA has been crucial in amplifying significant new trends in First Nations arts practice that have gone on to shape contemporary fine arts across the country.
An excellent example of this is the way appreciation of fibre art has grown over the years. In 2005, Tjanpi Desert Weavers took out the First Prize (now known as the Telstra Art Award) for their iconic large-scale woven Toyota Landcruiser ute.
“That really changed the way a lot of institutions look at weaving. It propelled weaving into the fine art category,” Worrall says.
This year’s exhibition showcases some groundbreaking innovations, including the overall Telstra Art Award winning piece, Burwu, blossom, by Gaypalani Wanambi from Yirrkala. Intricately etched on the back of discarded road signs, the piece depicts stringybark blossoms and thousands of bees, referencing an important ancestral songline for the Marrakulu clan about Wuyal, the honey hunter.
“It is an absolutely spectacular work … a very deserving winner,” Worrall says.
It’s a piece that demands to be viewed in person, so if you haven’t yet had a chance to explore the visual splendours of this year’s exhibition, take this as your sign. With the etching catching the light and appearing to move as people walk around it, the work beautifully captures the vibrating energy of beating bee wings and being on Country.
Wanambi is the daughter of renowned artist Wukun Wanambi (1962–2022). While she grew up assisting him with his art and was taught designs by her father, she began producing work as an artist in her own right.
“Originally, we worked on the designs of our clan’s saltwater Country. I used to help him with that. After that, I began to paint the honey from the freshwater Country. I showed those designs to him, to my father, my paintings of the honey. That is when he told me, ‘Great! You will take this design now as your own and you will paint this when I am no more,’” says Gaypalani.
Another piece in the exhibition calling to be experienced in person is a huge collaborative work by 14 female artists from Ampilatwatja, RLKEYEL (blooming, coming out). Bringing generations of women together to create and share stories, the painting is a testament to connection to community, culture, and Country.
“We sat around that big canvas on the floor and painted strong, we shared stories and remembered the old ladies that sat together long time ago when they were young and painted side by side,” the group says.
“We paint Arreth, strong bush medicine, we hunt and gather, we connect to Country, we connect to family, we connect to each other. We sing to Country, singing the bush medicine into existence.”
For Worrall, it’s one of the standout pieces of this year’s exhibition.
“It’s a spectacular piece, because you can’t really see where one hand has started and ends, it seamlessly blends together… It’s enormous and it’s really powerful in the space,” he says.
With all artworks created over the past year, NATSIAA also offers viewers insights into some of the issues and themes that are most important to First Nations people today, from challenging racism to nuclear testing.
Head down to MAGNT and prepare to be blown away by the creative brilliance that channels 65,000 years of continuous culture.
‘Tis the season to shop local! The Makers Markets are your chance to do Christmas shopping in the spirit of community and, if you like, with a cocktail in hand. With a sprinkle of music and pop-up of stalls, The Roastery offers shopping experiences that celebrate craft and connection.
WORDS ROSIE WILD
TWICE THIS DECEMBER, The Roastery invites local makers into their space to set up stalls and sell their wares. With an array of handmade and heartfelt gifts to choose from, the markets help make Christmas shopping more meaningful.
“It's a lovely interaction, purchasing something handmade by the person in front of you. The item always retains that story as part of its character. It speaks of this place as well, which makes it extra special,” says Estelle Roberts, co-owner of The Roastery and market coordinator.
This year, expect to find handcrafted homewares and hand-sculpted ceramics. There are hand-grown flowers, seedlings and native plants, jewellers with jewellery and artists with artworks, beekeepers selling honey and fruit-growers offering jams. All on offer is unique, special, and hard to find anywhere else.
“We try to select makers who don't have a shop or regular market stall and provide a platform. It's perfect timing for people to support local artists and buy more ethically for the silly season,” says Roberts.
Even your more familiar makers have goods on offer that you can’t get at other times.
“I get my candy thermometer out at this time of year and make cascara jam – an intriguing jam made from the dried skins of the coffee berry. Divine!” Roberts says.
Peruse goods as Jacksen Dulvarie spins tunes, sip on cocktails as you perfect your gift selections, soak up the atmosphere and have yourself a crafty little Christmas.
“We’ll be bringing you a town-hall vibe with a twist. The message is to support your local small businesses, keep money in our town, avoid big-chain, cheaply made landfill stuff, and have a connected experience in your community while you're at it. More broadly, you’ll know you’re being more considerate about our purchases' longevity, impact and true costs,” Roberts says.
Get down to these two special events this December to buy direct and circulate good cheer. With their beautiful blend of talent and togetherness, The Makers Markets might just be your new festive favourite.
The Makers Markets WHEN FRI 5 & FRI 12 DEC | 4.30-8PM AT THE ROASTERY COST FREE INFO duyucoffee.net
It’s that time of the year when the tinsel takes over, the sweet sounds of carols fill the air, and excitement builds. This festive season, City of Palmerston pulls out all the stops.
STEP INTO A winter wonderland in the tropics, as Goyder Square transforms into the North Pole, complete with glistening snow, reindeer, sleighs and, of course, Santa. With a spectacular lighting display, rides on the Express Train, and an Arctic blast to keep you nice and cool, Palmerston’s Christmas Wonderland is the perfect place for that festive family outing.
City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell, for one, is looking forward to it.
“Christmas Wonderland is back and I’m ‘snow’ excited to see our community come together once again. It’s a magical week where families and friends can relax,
have a laugh, and make memories that feel truly special. There’s something about this event that brings out the joy in all of us … it’s pure festive fun.”
This year, City of Palmerston Library hosts daily Christmas craft activities inside its Elf Workshop, along with a photobooth for families to take a few festive snaps for the memory bank, and a dedicated space for writing letters to Santa – guaranteed to arrive on time.
WORDS RITA HORANYI
There’s also a low-sensory Christmas Wonderland session available, with lower lighting, softer music and fewer crowds, for those who prefer to have a little less stimulation as they soak up the magical atmosphere. With food trucks and live performances nightly, and plenty of sparkling lights to explore – both in the Square and draped across houses in the surrounding ‘burbs – Palmerston offers merriment aplenty this silly season.
Christmas Wonderland WHEN TUE 16 – 23 DEC | 5-9PM
Low Sensory Christmas Wonderland WHEN MON 15 DEC | 5-9PM AT GOYDER SQUARE COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au
Got a New Year’s resolution? Want to pick up a different language, learn how to crochet, or improve those sub-par culinary skills? Darwin Adult Short Courses (DASC) can help.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IT’S THIS TIME of year we start to reflect on how the year’s unfolded. Where are we at with our relationships, our careers, our health, our hobbies? Well, while they may not be able to help you out in some areas, DASC can certainly help you hone some of those hobbies or professional skills you might be inspired to try.
With a comprehensive program and terms running throughout the year – plus one-off classes – the program is varied, with everything from personal development to creative interests to professional upskilling.
Courses cover areas of technology, languages, arts and crafts, yoga, sewing, public speaking, and cooking – you can even sign up to learn how to make the NT’s official unofficial dish, the humble laksa!
Jackie O’Toole is the [very busy] course coordinator and reckons you can give something a crack at any stage of life.
“We've got a lot of retirees, who have got a lot of leisure time. You know, they want to connect with people as well, so we see a lot of them coming in,” she says.
“But it's all ages. We have people that are in their early 20s … but generally, the 42 to 50 age group bracket is the main core of the student body.”
With a tonne of courses on offer, the most popular ones might come as a surprise.
“We've got three crochet courses running … And I’ve found that, in languages in particular, Italian has been the most popular language,” O’Toole says.
“We struggled to get a Japanese teacher, but when we did get one from Japan, she was here in Darwin for a little while. That was chock-a-block as well, so I think it's those destinations that people want to travel to.”
DASC courses are great for the mind, giving participants a sense of achievement and new skills, and some students have even gone on to make some cash from their creative pursuits.
“I know of a couple of students, who come here and they also go to Tactile Arts … They've gone on to set up their own little businesses, like doing pottery and selling at the markets,” O’Toole says.
Whatever tickles your fancy, whether it’s learning a bit of French before a trip to Paris, learning how to use a 3D printer, or picking up a paintbrush for the first time since you were a kid, connecting with others over a shared interest is a special thing.
“That's what we're trying to do, build that community, that sense of community, and get people engaged in different courses and just learning all the time. You're never too old to learn.”
INFO adultshortcourses.com
The Festival of Us is a joyful celebration of who we are as a community – in all our diversity and difference.
WORDS RITA HORANYI
IMAGE DAVID HANCOCK
The Festival of Us
WHEN MON 26 JAN | 11AM-8PM AT
OZ Run WHEN MON 26 JAN | 6.30AM
WHAT MAKES OUR community unique? Australia Day Council NT invites people to reflect on this question, and to celebrate the diverse groups and cultures that make us who we are with an inclusive community event, The Festival of Us.
Offering a full day of activities and fun, it kicks off first thing in the morning with the annual OZ Run at Darwin Waterfront. With a 2.5km and 5km circuit, this low-key fun run takes in picturesque views along the Esplanade for those willing to brave the longer route.
Once you’ve got that blood well and truly pumping, there’s a Larrakia Smoking Ceremony, sausage sizzle, and roving entertainment to enjoy.
If you’re a later riser, you can still beat the heat by heading to the air-conditioned comfort of Marrara Netball Stadium. Featuring cultural performances, live music, art installations, market and food stalls, gaming and sport activities, workshops for all ages and more, The Festival of Us offers something for everyone. There’s even a chill out space for those who would prefer to participate in the event in more laid-back fashion.
For Anna McDonald, CEO of the Australia Day Council Northern Territory, this inclusiveness is the event’s biggest strength.
“It’s a free community event, it’s about connection and … celebrating the Territory
and celebrating everyone who lives up here … We have so many people from different cultures and different backgrounds here, but it’s a day where everybody can just come along and feel included and feel they are part of a bigger community.”
The program wraps up with a free community dinner put on by the Multicultural Council of the NT to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
“It’s just really beautiful to see hundreds of people all sitting there at these huge tables, having this beautiful dinner, making new friends and getting to know each other. It just brings the community together in the best way,” McDonald says.
Celebrate what makes our community so special and the way our differences can bring us together.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Read on for OTL’s hot tips to get you in the festive spirit. All events are free. You beauty.
City of Darwin Carols by Candlelight
Pack a rug, round up the troops, and enjoy a night of delightful music under the stars.
SUN 7 DEC | 6.30-8.30PM
DARWIN AMPHITHEATRE FREE (DONATION)
Vinnies NT Christmas Hamper Project
Help Territory families in need by donating non-perishable goods, new toys, and gifts to your local Vinnies.
SAT 13 DEC (DONATIONS CLOSE)
NT VINNIES STORES vinnies.org.au
Christmas Light Trail
New large-scale decorations transform Darwin Waterfront into a Christmas wonderland with a tropical twist.
UNTIL SUN 4 JAN | 6-9PM (LIGHT SHOW)
DARWIN WATERFRONT waterfront.nt.gov.au
KATHERINE katherine.nt.gov.au
Christmas Tree Lighting
Make your way to Town Square for a magical night under the stars, with an evening of Christmas cheer as Katherine's Christmas tree lights up.
MON 1 DEC | 5-6PM TOWN SQUARE
O'Keeffe House Christmas Lights
As the historic O’Keeffe House lights up for Christmas, enjoy
Collage Club
tunes from local musicians and family friendly activities.
FRI 5, 12 & 19 DEC | 6.30-8.30PM O’KEEFFE HOUSE
KTown Christmas Markets
Get into the festive spirit with market stalls, food and drinks, and a barnyard petting zoo.
SAT 6 DEC | 8AM-4PM 16 KATHERINE TCE
Carols by Candlelight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas at this K-Town holiday highlight. Delight in an evening of lights, food, and free photos with Santa, and enjoy some of the finest voices Katherine has to offer.
SAT 6 DEC | 5-9PM LINDSAY STREET COMPLEX
Children's Christmas Tree
Established way back in 1934, the annual Children's Christmas Tree returns with bells on. Enjoy an abundance of festivities with a sausage sizzle, fairy floss, popcorn, fresh fruit and icy poles, plus entertainment, gifts for the kids, and a special visit from the man in the red suit.
FRI 12 DEC | 6-9PM PURKISS RESERVE
Todd Mall Christmas Market Christmas hits the Red Centre, with the final Todd Mall Market of 2025. Nab some Christmas gifts from local stalls, and enjoy food, drink, and live entertainment. There’s also the chance to score a giveaway basket and take part in the scavenger hunt. Fun!
SUN 7 DEC | 9AM-1PM TODD MALL alicesprings.nt.gov.au
This monthly art class for adults is perfect for unwinding and getting creative. Each session includes a short presentation, time to make your own collages, and the chance to share your work. All materials provided.
THU 4 DEC | 5.20PM THE LAST SUPPER $23 thelastsupper.com.au
Books & Bowls
This is a nice and chill morning where besties can hang out, enjoy a coffee together, and shop the Book Besties Darwin range. Feel free to come for a yarn or bring your book to enjoy in the beautiful, air-conditioned space.
SAT 6 DEC | 8AM-12PM BOTANICOOL FREE bookbestiesdarwin.com
Too Much Stuff
Whether you’re leaving town, new to the area, moving, downsizing, feeling creative, or fundraising, there’s something for everyone at this market.
SUN 7 DEC | 9AM-12PM
CLUB TROPICAL RESORT FREE facebook.com/toomuchstuffdarwin
Sunday Funday | Let’s LEGO®
Step inside the Discovery Centre and develop new skills through a series of fun activities exploring science, technology, engineering, art and maths at MAGNT. This drop-in session is perfect for children with curious and creative minds who want to get creative with LEGO®.
SUN 7 DEC | 10.30AM & 1PM MAGNT FREE magnt.net.au
Sunday Arvo Board Game Sesh Gather your friends – or fly solo – for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition, and new connections. Tix include a house wine on arrival.
SUN 7 DEC & SAT 3 JAN | 3-5PM THE LAST SUPPER $10 thelastsupper.com.au
Life with Dogs – Free Pet Parent Workshop
Learn more about what’s involved in caring for a dog and creating a dog-friendly home. Hear practical advice about choosing the right dog, preparing your home, understanding canine behaviour and how to meet your dog’s ongoing needs.
TUE 9 DEC | 5.30-6.30PM LYONS COMMUNITY CENTRE FREE darwin.nt.gov.au
Search | LEGO® Minifigures Let Loose at MAGNT!
Minifigures are being let loose again this Wet Season, so be on the lookout as you explore the galleries and peer into exhibition cases. This is a free activity for families and children of all ages across the December and January school holidays.
SAT 13 DEC – MON 26 JAN MAGNT FREE magnt.net.au
Book Launch – Flight of the Termidors
Written by Leonie Norrington and illustrated by Marnie Jay, Flight of the Termidors follows the journey of our master builders – the termites. They craft vast underground networks and towering mounds, then, with the first Wet Season rains, take flight in their thousands to seek new lands and begin fresh colonies.
SAT 13 DEC | 12-1PM LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY LIBRARY FREE marniejay.com
Club Tropical Milonga
Enjoy an evening of social dancing with the local Northern Tango community of dancers. Come early to enjoy dinner at the venue before dancing the night away.
SAT 13 DEC | 7-11PM CLUB TROPICAL RESORT DARWIN FREE northerntango.com.au
Bloom & Bliss: A European Soft Cheese Tasting
Indulge in four artisan soft cheeses paired with focaccia, fruit, pickles, and pastes. Discover the secrets behind those creamy textures and edible rinds. Limited seats, adults only.
SUN 14 DEC | 2-3PM
THE LAST SUPPER $55 thelastsupper.com.au
Murder Mystery: Bloody Christmas – Bad Santa Santa’s gone rogue. The presents are missing, the eggnog’s been spiked, and there’s a body under the tree. This festive murder mystery offers bottomless pizza, prizes, and scandalous suspects. Dress to sleigh and help solve the crime before Christmas is ruined!
THU 18 DEC | 6.30-8.30PM
THE LAST SUPPER $55 thelastsupper.com.au
Harmony & Humour Bar Choir with Shalom Kaa
Guaranteed to lift your spirits, this unique experience blends humour and harmony for a night of pure joy. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just love to have fun, this event promises laughter and camaraderie in equal measure.
SUN 21 DEC | 5.30-7PM
THE LAST SUPPER $15 thelastsupper.com.au
European Christmas at The Last Supper
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a cozy European-style feast. Enjoy share boards, traditional meats, festive salads, and sweet treats, paired with house-made Glühwein. Communal seating, two sittings, and Christmas carols in the lounge make for a warm, festive night.
WED 24 DEC | 6-7.30PM & 7.45-9.15PM
THE LAST SUPPER
$75 | $30 CHILD | $270 GROUP OF 4 thelastsupper.com.au
The Last Supper New Year’s Eve Party
Enjoy two and a half hours of unlimited pizzas, a welcome drink, and festive fun until 9pm or join later without the inclusions. Either way, you're sure to ring in 2026 with laughter, music, and good times!
WED 31 DEC | 6.30PM
THE LAST SUPPER
$60 (DINNER) | $40 (AFTER 9PM) thelastsupper.com.au
Fruit Bat Trivia
Grab your mates for a free and entertaining trivia sesh that'll have you flexing those brain muscles and battling it out over questions on pop culture, history, music, and more.
EVERY TUE | 7-9PM SILKS
EVERY WED | 6.30-8.30PM
BREEZES BAR & BISTRO
EVERY WED | 7-9PM BEACHFRONT HOTEL
facebook.com/ danielleandrewscomedy
Musical Bingo
Join host Danielle for a fun session of musical bingo. Instead of numbers, players listen to snippets of popular songs and mark them off on their cards. Bingo!
EVERY THU (EXC. PUB HOLS) 6.30-8.30PM BREEZES BAR & BISTRO FREE breezesbarbistro.com.au
Kirtan Meditation
SUN 7 DEC | 5-7PM
NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE BY DONATION asmy.org.au/darwin
Movement Medicine
EVERY SUN (EXC. 21 DEC – 11 JAN) 10-11.30AM $20
NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE movement.magic@yahoo.com
Desert Stories: Films from the Archive
Enjoy a micro film festival
featuring films from the library’s Alice Springs collection. Delve into different facets of the cultural fabric of Alice Springs and hear from the filmmakers who tell these enduring stories.
Lasseter’s Bones
TUE 2 DEC, 11AM-1PM
CAAMA Retrospective
Featuring CAAMA alumna Erica Glynn.
THU 4 DEC | 5-7PM
Watandar, My Countryman
Featuring a Q&A with the producers.
SAT 6 DEC | 11AM-1PM
ALICE SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE facebook.com/asplibrary
We Can Touch the Spaces: Reflective Practice Workshop for Creatives
Shift from end-of-year intensity to connecting with your creative core in this reflective workshop with Ellis Hutch. Consider what parts of your practice may be coming full circle, drawing to a close, or emerging into fresh forms.
SUN 14 DEC | 10.30AM-2.30PM
WATCH THIS SPACE BY DONATION ($10-$15) | FIRST NATIONS, FREE wts.org.au
Baby Set Go Exercise Classes
EVERY MON | 10AM
ALICE SPRINGS AQUATIC & LEISURE CENTRE FREE facebook.com/aliceaquatic
Music and Movement
Get your groove on and move around at this lively and fun session filled with rhythm, music and fun. Perfect for kiddos aged two to five years.
EVERY TUE | 10.15-10.45AM (EXC. 23 & 30 DEC)
ALICE SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE facebook.com/asplibrary
Free Yoga
Clear your mind and strengthen your body with Fiona at these free weekly yoga flow. Move, breathe, relax, and bring balance and calm to your week.
EVERY WED | 6PM
ALICE SPRINGS AQUATIC & LEISURE CENTRE FREE facebook.com/aliceaquatic
Free Qi Gong Classes
Join Helen Checker to learn the ancient Chinese art of Qi Gong and help improve your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
EVERY THU | 5.30PM (EXC. PUB HOLS)
ALICE SPRINGS AQUATIC & LEISURE CENTRE FREE facebook.com/aliceaquatic
Baby Rhyme Time
Songs, rhymes, stories and play are a wonderful way to develop a love of language. This session is designed to be interactive and to support pre-literacy education in a fun and social way.
EVERY FRI | 10.15AM-1.15PM (EXC. PUB HOLS)
ALICE SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE facebook.com/asplibrary
Chess Club
Sharpen your strategic skills, meet fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a friendly game of chess. All skill level welcome.
EVERY SUN | 10AM-12PM (EXC. 28 DEC)
ALICE SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE facebook.com/asplibrary
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer, or just starting out, Tracks Dance Company’s Choreolab program invites you into the studio to work on your moves.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW open for the 2026 Choreolab program, which invites participants to explore their bodies through dance, music, and theatre over the course of 10 weeks – that’s 60 hours! – culminating in a showcase to present their findings.
Co-led by Jenelle Saunders and David McMicken, Choreolab includes special guest facilitators throughout the course, including James Mangohig (music), Alyson Evans (theatre and characterisation), and Rachael Wallis (First Nations, contemporary).
McMicken says it’s a chance for curious movers and shakers to explore their bodies and learn different ways to move.
“Choreolab is for anyone that has any sort of artistic interest whatsoever and would like to learn new skills or hone old ones. It comes from movement or physical practice, which is a commonality to all artists – whether it's dance, theatre, visual arts, music, there's still the body involved. The idea of composition or putting ideas together is also very familiar to most artists,” he says.
“The course is designed as an entrance level course, because we don't have any tertiary training here. And so, rather than people having to go away to do something – and even if you go south, this sort of course simply doesn't exist – there's a chance to dip into it here with some highly, highly experienced practitioners in music theatre, dance, First Nations practice, theatre – there’s quite a range from our Artistic Leadership team.”
In 2025, 10 participants took part, one of whom was Antony Sinni, who got a lot out of the experience.
“I learnt so much about myself and my artistic practice ... I didn’t have any training in movement prior to commencing the program. Over the course … I was equipped with new skills, viewpoints, and approaches to movement and dance, which has expanded my artistic practice tenfold,” they said.
“The Tracks philosophy is holistic and is committed to fostering a welcoming environment that celebrates participants bringing their full selves to the program. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Not only do the participants get something from the experience, but audiences are also treated to works in progress, with the opportunity to unpack it with the participants at a post-show Q&A.
WHEN SUN 18 JAN (APPS CLOSE) INTENSIVE SAT 31 JAN, 10AM-4PM | EVERY MON & THU (FEB 2 – MAR 23), 5.30-8PM AT TRACKS STUDIO
COST $330 FULL PROGRAM INFO tracksdance.com.au
“I thoroughly enjoyed the performance for its thoughtful presentation, its community-centred approach, and how it normalised the presentation of works in progress.
Great entertainment and very inspirational music and dance,” says one 2025 showcase attendee.
Applications close mid-January, with twice-weekly sessions kicking off early Feb. If improving your dance is a New Year’s resolution, Choreolab might just be your jam.
Remember the heady excitement of your first crush, the exquisite anticipation of that first kiss? SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre’s new show, Frankie & Brian, channels all the drama and the emotion of teen romance in a feel-good performance that blends authentic storytelling with dynamic choreography.
WORDS RITA HORANYI
WHEN THU 4 & FRI 5 DEC, 10.30AM & 7PM | SAT 6 DEC, 12.30 & 7PM AT AANT CENTRE
COST $35| $31 MEMB/CONC $21 CHILD INFO yourcentre.com.au
Meet Brian. Quiet and thoughtful, he's a bit of a romantic and an optimist at heart. Frankie, on the other hand, is the skeptical type who questions everything and resists going along with the flow. Neither of them wants to go to the graduation dance, but their parents have other ideas.
Like in any good romcom, these two young protagonists must overcome a series of obstacles before eventually finding happiness. In their case, some of the obstacles are internal – overcoming the awkwardness and embarrassment of putting yourself out there, letting yourself be vulnerable and open enough to meet someone and fall in love.
“What the dancers wanted [the show] to be about is that vulnerability of love ... and the right for everyone to find someone to love, and the hope that everybody can find love,” says SLIDE Artistic Director, Joanna Noonan.
“Love is really important to young people. They want to fall in love. They want their friends to find love ... They want people to find connection, and so, that was really important to them when we were making it.”
Set in the 80s, the performance offers plenty of fun nostalgic vibes and the kind of high energy choreography SLIDE is known for, including tap, hip hop, and break dancing, as well as objects falling from the sky, oversized props,
and set changes. The graduation dance event within the show, on the other hand, has a 1950s theme, allowing the production to make the most of two great eras of dance.
The production also features four guest dancers – Bill Cotter, Ryan Patricks, Jordan Lefebvre, and Sophia Hodges – graduates from SLIDE that have gone on to study contemporary dance at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Coming back to take part
in the show and to mentor the other dancers, their participation demonstrates the ongoing connections and inspiration SLIDE can create.
It’s also nicely fitting in a show that celebrates young people and their hopes and dreams.
Head along and enjoy this uplifting performance about finding love and the courage of young people that’s sure to leave you with a big smile on your face.
LAST MONTH,
was
The NT Performing Arts Awards were established in 2019 by the W3 alliance comprised of Brown’s Mart Arts, Corrugated Iron Youth Arts, and Tracks Dance Company, to shine a well-deserved light on the performing arts community – both on stage and behind the scenes.
Congratulations to all Finalists and Winners. We sure are punching in the NT.
Peoples' Choice Award
Lisa Pellegrino
Production of the Year
Antidote – Tracks Dance
Performer of the Year
Lisa Pellegrino
Young Achiever
Levi Nichaloff (Yung Milla)
Behind the Scenes Creative
James Mangohig
Behind the Scenes Production
Matthew Cunliffe
Inspiring Educator
Lynne Hanton
Impact Award
Kate Stephens
Darwin Symphony Orchestra
Ultimate Legend Award
Lynne Hanton
Seventeen by Matthew Whittet Darwin Theatre Company and Corrugated Iron Youth Arts unite to present Seventeen, an ensemble theatre work that captures the exhilaration and heartbreak of leaving adolescence behind. Through raw dialogue, movement and emotion, five teens face truth, change, and the bittersweet freedom of growing up.
WED 3 DEC – SAT 6 DEC | 7PM BROWN’S MART
Jeremy Dooley is Daddy Cool
Jeremy Dooley has skyrocketed through the comedy scene, earning a rep as one of Australia’s rising stars. His debut show, Daddy Cool, dives into dads, terrible advice, and knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Although, apparently, he’s still learning that.
SAT 6 DEC | 2.30PM (BABY FRIENDLY) & 6PM TOP FLOOR COMEDY $35 topfloorcomedydarwin.com.au
Craic Hole: Comedy with a Twist
A chaotic comedy night, Craic Hole Thursday brings 10 comedians, one bizarre topic, and five minutes each to win the crowd. Hosted by Rachel Carey and Jack Russell, expect big laughs, great pizza, and a rowdy atmosphere. Audience picks the winner.
SAT 13 DEC | 7-9PM
TOP FLOOR COMEDY $23 topfloorcomedydarwin.com.au
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Sydney Film Festival’s Travelling Film Festival returns to a cinema near you, this year, celebrating the life and legacy of the late great David Stratton.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
EACH YEAR, SYDNEY Film Festival compiles a shortlist of films to feature at over 50 cinemas across the country, which it has done for more than 50 years.
The Travelling Film Festival (TFF) was founded by David Stratton in 1974, who you may remember from film review programs The Movie Show and At The Movies, co-hosted with Margaret Pomeranz.
The former actor and film critic passed away in August this year, but his work over the years ensured film was always at the forefront of conversation and culture, whilst encouraging robust analysis.
With the creation of TFF, he ensured films were able to be screened in remote areas, and this legacy continues with the 2026 TFF, which makes tracks to cinemas in Alice Springs, Katherine, and Darwin from February.
tto n
TFF Manager Beatrix Brady says Stratton had a huge influence on her.
“I know my relationship with cinema was impacted by David Stratton, and it’s a huge honour to continue what he started. Film has the power to open our eyes to different cultures and new perspectives, but also to help us understand one another more deeply.”
Making the cut this year, with screenings at each stop in the NT, is No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook, which was selected for the Venice 2025 Official Competition. After being unemployed for several years, a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job – eliminate his competition.
Also featured on the program is The Golden Spurtle by Constantine Costi. This Aussie made, crowd-pleasing documentary is set in a picturesque Scottish village, where contestants from around the globe have gathered for the annual World Porridge Making Championship.
Deaf by Eva Libertad was selected for the Berlinale 2025, and sees a happy Spanish couple – one Deaf, one hearing – encounter strains on their tight bond when a new baby leads to drastically different experiences of parenthood.
TFF Darwin
WHEN THU 19 – SUN 22 FEB
AT BCC Casuarina
TFF Katherine
WHEN THU 19 – SUN 22 FEB
AT Katherine Cinema 3
TFF Alice Springs
WHEN FRI 27 FEB – MON 2 MAR
AT Alice Springs Cinema
INFO sff.org.au
In Joachim Trier’s film Sentimental Value, Winner of the Cannes Grand Prix, Trier and Renate Reinsve reunite following The Worst Person in the World (2021). This intimate family drama about the power of art includes actors Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning alongside an excellent ensemble cast.
With more films to be announced, Brady says TFF is thrilled to return to the Northern Territory, ensuring Stratton’s legacy of screening films outside of major capital cities continues.
“The Northern Territory hosts some of the most dedicated films fans in the country, packing out cinemas, whether it’s a hot Oscars favourite or a groundbreaking indie film you can only see with us. Our celebration of cinema around the country wouldn’t be complete without the NT!”
Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre aboriginalbushtraders.com
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher Street, The Gardens | magnt.net.au
bark painting now)
An exhibition of recent bark paintings from Ngaruwanajirri, Tiwi Islands.
Artists include Alfonso Puautjimi,
UNTIL WED 31 DEC
Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards is the longest running and most prestigious event for Indigenous artists in the country. The 2025 Telstra NATSIAA exhibition celebrates and reflects the breadth and specificity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, histories, cultures, and connections to Country.
UNTIL MON 26 JAN, 2026
MIDPUL ART GALLERY AT CDU
54 Cavenagh Street, Darwin cdu.edu.au/artgallery
Dr George Tjapaltjarri (born c.1930 – 2017), 'Puli-puru-tjunku' (detail), 1977, synthetic polymer powder paint on composition board, 56x41cm. Photo: Mark Ashkanasy. © Dr George Tjapaltjarri l Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd.
WESTERN DESERT ART
Curated by celebrated curator, writer, artist and activist, Djon Mundine OAM FAHA, Three Echoes – Western Desert Art showcases works by 57 acclaimed artists heralding from Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Papunya, and Utopia Aboriginal communities in the Western Desert regions of the Northern Territory, Australia.
LIBRARY & ARCHIVES NT
54 Cavanagh Street, Darwin lant.nt.gov.au
UNTIL SAT 28 FEB, 2026
ANNEXE GALLERY AT CDU
54 Cavenagh Street, Darwin cdu.edu.au/artgallery
Albert, Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji
Single Channel brings together key moving image artworks from 2000 to 2019 by some of Australia's most nationally and internationally significant artists.
UNTIL SAT 28 FEB, 2026
Red Earth and Chalk Dust, a Retrospective
In the mid-1970s, photographer, teacher and artist Konrad Winkler captured the Northern Territory in all its chaotic glory. Primarily working between Cyclone Tracy (1974) and Self-Government (1978), he documented a Territory on the brink of change – raw, rebellious, playful, and unique.
UNTIL FRI 3 APR, 2026
for
Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove darwincommunityarts.org
The Possibilities and Politics of our Trans Bodies
ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
61 Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
A group exhibition of new and existing works by trans and gender diverse artists living in, or with strong ties to, Garramilla/Darwin.
UNTIL THU 4 DEC
This exhibition explores artists who push the boundaries, diverging from a conventional path, challenging traditional art-making techniques to enable new outcomes to surface.
Northern Centre for Contemporary Art Vimy Lane, Parap | nccart.com
MON 1 JUN
What Lies Beneath
This year, NCCA's annual Members Exhibition invites creatives to look beneath the surface. What lies beneath the earth’s crust, the waves, the places we cannot see? Why do these things matter?
GYRACC
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre
Lot 3238 Stuart Hwy, Katherine | gyracc.org.au
The Katherine Prize is an annual celebration of the extraordinary diversity that exists in the Northern Territory arts landscape. This exhibition brings together artists of all ages, cultural backgrounds, languages and regions of the NT, entries of any medium and by artists at all stages of their creative practice.
UNTIL FRI 12 DEC
For the first time ever, four First Nations artworks from the National Collection are on display alongside local creations as part of the Sharing the National Collection program.
SUMMER IN THE Red Centre can be exhilarating – and seriously hot! But with a few smart strategies, you can keep your cool while making the most of this stunning part of the world.
1. Turn into a mermaid at a waterhole
Summer rains mean a fresh top-up to our waterholes, which are croc-free and open year-round. Tucked among the ancient ranges, these natural pools stay refreshingly cold even on the hottest days. Some, like Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen Gorge and Redbank Gorge, are permanent and perfect for a summer swim. Grab a picnic, a few bevvies and make a day of it.
2. Escape the heat in galleries and museums
Central Australia’s art galleries and museums are a great way to explore local culture and creativity while enjoying some air-conditioned comfort. Check out Yubu Napa Art Gallery, the RFDS Tourist Facility, or the Gallery of Central Australia for a dose of inspiration. These are just a few examples!
3. Time your adventures
Plan your hikes and outdoor adventures for the early morning when it’s cooler and save the hotter hours for relaxing or exploring indoors. The evenings are made for sunsets, dining under the stars, or joining an astronomy tour to marvel at that famous desert night sky.
4. Drink plenty of water
It’s easy to underestimate how quickly you dehydrate in this dry climate. Aim for at least two to three litres of water a day and always carry a reusable bottle. If you’re out hiking or exploring, consider adding electrolytes to keep your energy up.
Summer might be hot, but it’s also when desert rains give local flora and fauna a new life. With a bit of planning – and plenty of water! – it’s the perfect time to experience a different side of Central Australia.
Over the last two-and-a-bit years, Bustard Town has earned its stripes to become a Darwin Town hot spot for tunes, tucker, and good, good times.
IN 2023, JUSTIN Schmidt set out to create a venue in Darwin’s CBD that had it all. Music. Food. Drinks. Atmosphere. Artist experimentation. And they’ve nailed the brief. On their website, they’ve coined it The Social Sanctuary, which is pretty on the mark.
Each weekend, you’ll find some kind of music gig, be that local or visiting DJs spinning tunes, live music in the al fresco area, or bands in the Band Shed – a renovated Sidney Williams hut that lay dormant for years. They’ve even enticed famous American rapper Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 fame to bust a few rhymes.
The whole site, with its enticing tropical garden, bar, and cafe, is – in this masthead editor’s humble opinion – one of the best places to unwind and spend time with mates. With a regular events program, it’s become an important hub for local creatives to cut their teeth and experiment with varied art forms.
“We’re not bound by anything, we’re just keen to facilitate humans expressing themselves,” Schmidt said back in 2023.
Looking back over the years, although it’s taken a lot of work and determination, Schmidt says he’s happy with how things have panned out.
“I am incredibly proud and, you
know, when you look year on year there are improvements – I’ve decided I’m an incrementalist," Schmidt says.
“Day to day, it's just a grind, to be honest – it's really hard work, maintaining all the balls in the air. But every now and again, I sit back … or dance back and enjoy it. I’m appreciative that we’ve had the opportunity to stick to the main vision. We're still on the rudder, steering the ship towards that.”
Local electronic music events biz Croc Records was established at the start of 2024 and held their first party at Bustard Town. Saurabh Darpe – aka Zorro – is the mastermind behind it, and says Bustard Town offers something special.
“I mean, it's like, a safe space for
everyone – everyone's kind of welcome. And people come there for music. It's not commercial, it’s very underground, so people appreciate the music that's getting played – they’re not just there to have a party, kind of thing – people are there for music as well. And the venue, the staff, are very nice, and Justin is nice. The communication is really easy,” he says.
In January, Croc Records returns to where it all began to celebrate their second anniversary with a huge night of house music, including special guest, DJ and producer Aldonna from Naarm/ Melbourne. Darpe reckons party seekers are in for a treat.
“Ah, [it’ll be] so much fun. The best music … if you like underground house music, techno. You’ll
probably have the best time, and the vibes are always high and great!”
The underground music scene is something they’re keen to facilitate, but also, Schmidt says anything could happen within the confines of Bustard Town.
“We want to be a little bit selective about what we're doing, because putting on events is quite arduous and a lot of hard work – and sometimes loss making – so, it's often a labour of love. We’re just trying to build a special adaptable place where people feel comfortable, it’s not all just one familiar, it’s many things, and the unexpected can be witnessed or happen,” he says.
“We try not to play too loud as well. On the dance floor, we want people to be able to talk to each other – because everyone can eat, drink, and listen to music at home – but here, you can come to do it with others … have a collective social experience. And so, we try to make it an interesting creative space to facilitate that.”
It’s not just the weekends that you can enjoy a good Bustard Town hang. The cafe is open weekdays for your coffee and pastry fix, and their chefs dish out some of the tastiest wood-fired pizzas you’ll find. Add to this the Troppo Cocktail Bar, and you have every reason to pop by.
Staff member Brielle, like the rest of the team, wears many hats, one of those being Events Coordinator. She says anyone can come in at any time, feel welcome, and make new mates.
“There was a very special vibe in the Darwin party scene over the last few years … But you definitely get to feel that here at Bustard Town. You can come alone because you'll find your friends, but you'll also make friends … It's like a drop in house, you know what I mean?”
Bustard Town closes for about a month over the Wet season to give the team a chance to rest and recuperate before the events calendar kicks into full swing in the new year, which is fair given they ran a huge 150 events throughout the year. But not before a few more DJ nights and live gigs, including local band Koh, to see out the 2025 season.
Schmidt reckons, if you haven’t been yet, then come on in.
“We've got a beautiful tropical garden, and we invite everyone to come in, have a look, and see where the night takes you. We hope people enjoy themselves and each other’s company.”
“Mob, travellers, queers, tradies, punks, metalheads, old-schoolers, doofers all come here, watching live music together, laughing, talking, looking out for each other. I can’t, and don’t want to, imagine this place without it.”
Real estate wants a sale. Community wants its culture. Caught in-between is The Black Wreath, a record label, venue, and the driving force behind Blacken Open Air Festival.
THE BLACK WREATH has been holding the line for Alice Springs’ underground music scene for 14 years. Now, the building is up for sale, the eviction notice is real, and the clock’s ticking. Unless something changes fast, Mparntwe risks losing a space that’s helped define what it means to create, connect, and belong.
What started as a warehouse for metalheads has grown into an essential cultural cornerstone, a place where diversity is celebrated and amplified in the centre. It’s become an underground economy, supporting local gigs, hosting interstate and international acts, running festivals, drawing visitors, and keeping locals from leaving town.
Pirate, who’s at the helm of The Wreath and shoulders the risk of the business, says both the venue and Blacken Open Air are on a knife’s edge.
“I took it as far as I can on my own … without enormous national support, I can’t continue to deliver it the way I have been. That’s everything. The venue. The festival. The entire industry that injects over a million dollars every year into the NT economy.”
This loss would hit a lot of people. Inside this venue, the melting-pot of Mparntwe comes together, and community finds the freedom of its voice.
“Mob, travellers, queers, tradies, punks, metalheads, old-schoolers, doofers all come here, watching live music together, laughing, talking, looking out for each other. I can’t, and don’t want to, imagine this place without it,” says performance artist Muffi Jaye.
unique and special,” says Pirate.
In recent years, the community of Alice Springs/Mparntwe has lost a lot of habitat from their cultural ecologies. With Montes gone, Wild Open Space Festival over and The Jump Inn now closely monitored for sound after new residents moved into the neighbourhood, creative spaces are shrinking. And when a town is stripped of spaces, it’s stripped of stories.
The Black Wreath’s sweat-drenched gigs, hip-hop events, punk nights, queer dance floors, fire-pit conversations, grungy lounge-room corners, slow grind hazes, and desert metal festivals are story generators. Connection formulators. Creative incubators. They’re reasons to love this place. Reasons to stay in town. If it’s sold, those stories don’t just stop. They scatter.
“Without The Wreath, we lose a big part of the community. I genuinely think without it, the Alice Springs music scene might die,” says Mallee Pietsch (aka Flozz).
But it could be lost. The owners want to sell the place that was forged in friendship, built on volunteer hours, and runs on sweat, solidarity, and sheer punk persistence. Kate Glyde has been part of The Black Wreath since its inception, and says it’s special to many.
“Many local people have given their time freely to contribute to the development of the infrastructure, both inside and out. It’s a unique venue. It’s quirky. It means a lot to people, and it can’t be easily replicated.”
The Wreath is proof that punk principles – do it yourself, do it together – create grassroots venues that generate significant social, cultural, community, and economic capital. When towns lose venues, all that can go with them.
“Social outcomes of The Black Wreath are invaluable, essential, and intangible. It increases the liveability of Central Australia. It raises the profile of the arts and the artists of the region, and supports the entire community at large through self-expression, community cohesiveness, coming together, and celebrating everything that makes this place
But it’s not over yet. The Wreath is carved out of camaraderie, kept alive by the community, and defended by those who know what it’s worth.
“The Wreath supports us, and we support The Wreath,” says Billeigh Waaha (aka Beatrix).
A cohort created a festival-scale fundraiser in just over a week. People are problem-solving, meeting, funding. They’re planning and seeking professional advice.
“It’s incredible to see all the ideas … how much we continue to create collectively … I feel a lot of gratitude,” says Pirate.
“I hope people understand how vital this is. How vital having space is. How vital community is. How important the arts are … Time is very short. It’s not on our side. But, if people come together and want this hard enough and amplify this message and this urgency, I believe we can secure this venue for the future,” Pirate says.
The Black Wreath is the town’s proving ground, its pulse, its creative and community home. What’s at stake is the soul of a scene that’s fought too hard and for too long to be erased by a real estate listing.
If you’ve ever danced at The Wreath, played there, connected there, felt alive there, or if you know what it means to lose the spaces that let you be who you are, now’s the time to make some noise, or whatever contribution you can. Because The Wreath is a heartbeat, and it’s not ready to flatline.
INFO facebook.com/theblackwreath
Soak up the festive spirit as some of Darwin’s most angelic voices unite to present some Christmas musical treats.
LOCAL CHOIR VOCALECTIVE
returns to the acoustic setting of Darwin Memorial Uniting Church to present their end-of-year concert, Christmas Cantata, featuring Rheinberger and Mendelssohn’s Christmas Cantatas, plus some Christmas carol classics.
Under the artistic direction of Michael Loughlin, the chamber choir was co-founded in 2018 with his wife and singer Fiona Wake, growing over the years to feature 30 wonderful local singers. Loughlin says they look forward to their Christmas concert each year, but it can be tricky to trim down the set list.
“There is only a narrow window of opportunity to perform Christmas music, and yet there is so much.
As always with Vocalective, it’s a balance between what our audience might like and what is rewarding for the choir to sing,” he says.
Although the evening is set to
be festive and enjoyable for the audience, Vocalective doesn’t shy away from the curly ones.
Rheinberger’s The Star of Bethlehem is a festive piece, full of great melodies, last performed by the choir back in 2021. Fiona Wake is the soloist, and the music is perfectly suited to the season.
Felix Mendelssohn’s Christmas Cantata is a multi-movement vocal work for choir and soloists, with six short movements that runs for about 15 minutes.
“Mendelssohn, a child prodigy, was fantastic at composing melodies, with great harmonies to go with them. With a mixture of solos, by Leonie Thomson and Callum
Bowles, and choir numbers, this Christmas concert is a great opportunity to present this work to our audience, and the only time it would be heard is this time of the year,” Loughlin says.
An interesting connection is that Loughlin’s third-great-grandfather George Perry, composer, organist and violinist, was concertmaster as Mendelssohn conducted his re-vamped oratorio Elijah in 1847.
The second half of the program features Christmas carols by renowned composers including Margaret Sutherland, James MacMillan, Will Todd, Bernard Rose, Sarah Quartel, plus a few others. Bernard Rose and Loughlin’s father George were close friends
at the Royal College of Music in London in the 1930s, so it’s special that Vocalective performs one of Rose’s carols.
Celebrate the silly season and even sing along, as this special seasonal concert by Vocalective is sure to lift your Christmas spirits.
Christmas Cantata Vocalective Concert
WHEN FRI 12 DEC | 7.30-9.30PM AT DARWIN MEMORIAL UNITING CHURCH
COST $40 | $35 CONC $20 CHILD INFO facebook.com/ vocalective.singers
Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour hits the Top End with high energy performances sure to have the whole fam raving!
RITA HORANYI
Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour WHEN TUE 20 JAN | 5.30PM
WHEN IT COMES to partying, toddlers have all the energy and, let’s face it, some of the coolest moves. Despite being associated with grown-ups, nightclubs and doofs, techno, it turns out, is a pretty perfect pairing with tots.
For father, DJ, and toddler techno pioneer, Lenny Pearce, bringing his love of dance music together with entertaining kids was a natural fit. The result is hugely entertaining, high energy baby raves.
Expect banging remixes of kids’ classics, such as ‘Old MacDonald had a Farm’ and ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’, as well toddler themes set to innovative beats that are sure to have everyone on their feet and pumping those fists – and the little ones in carriers bopping along with
mum or dad. There are also some fun costume characters, including a big blue monkey, glow in the dark sticks to wave around, and brightly coloured props on stage.
Lenny’s Toddler Techno has been such a hit, he’s toured the globe presenting over 40 baby raves across Asia, the US and the Middle East, wowing over 100,000 families. There’s even a UK extravaganza, and exciting collaborations with major children’s production companies on the horizon. Nice one, Lenny.
Get out the glow sticks and pop the dancing kicks on – it’s baby rave time.
“I think, generally speaking, it's been all the First Nations collaborations we've done. I think specifically Yuwani, which we did back in 2019, that was a real mind-blowing experience. But then, The Djari Project with Netanela [Mizrahi] has been amazing.”
Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) bids adieu to both the 2025 season and Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jon Tooby, with special end-of-year and end-of-tenure performance.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE HANNAH HERBERT
SINCE JUNE 2018, Jon Tooby has led the DSO through seven-and-a-half seasons, overseen the return of the orchestra to AANT Centre (formerly Darwin Entertainment Centre), and embarked on a Territory tour down the track for the first time in a decade – which was no small feat, with about 70 musicians and crew in tow.
Now, the time has come for Tooby to pass on the baton, to be picked up by Richard Mills AO in 2026. But not before one more special night of incredible music.
Symphony of the Soul presents three of his all-time favourites, Bernstein’s Candide Overture, Weber’s Bassoon Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 6. Tooby says both joy and nostalgia inspired the set list.
“I mean, they are all awesome pieces. Tchaikovsky's 6th is just a standout classic, I remember playing it as an 18-year-old and just being so moved by it, even as a teenager. It really is a roller coaster ride embodying all human emotion, a totally gripping work,” he says.
“And the other two pieces, the Bernstein and the Weber, are just really fun, sort of celebratory, in a way, and really infused with just goodness and joy.”
After splitting his time between Darwin and Perth over the years, where his home and family is based, Tooby says he’s got mixed feelings about calling time in the Top End.
“I'm not really leaving because I want to go, I'm leaving because it's time, it's the right time … My circumstances have changed. My girls have moved out, my wife Penny is alone [in Perth], and that's been really hard, particularly this year. But this will always have a place in my heart, for sure, and I absolutely have no doubt I'll be visiting.”
As they say, all good things must come to an end, and Tooby looks back on his experience with gratitude.
“I think, generally speaking, it's been all the First Nations collaborations we've done. I think specifically Yuwani, which we did back in 2019, that was a real mind-blowing experience. But then, The Djari Project with Netanela [Mizrahi] has been amazing,” he says.
“I have been in the profession for over 40 years now, and so coming to DSO really put me in front of the volunteer/pro-am musician space for the first time. This experience really awakened me to a whole new level of passion and commitment which, even though it may not always be perfect, somehow brings a special, unique, and positive energy to the stage which I've found totally intoxicating.
“As Beethoven famously said, ‘a note played out of tune is bad, but a note played without passion is inexcusable’, and I think those kinds of things have really opened my eyes … We always strive to do our best. There's no question, but the energy and the music itself has been amazing.”
Tooby says it’s been a fun ride, but there’s one person in particular that’s made his time so memorable.
“I will also miss my colleague and co-conspirator Kate Stephens. I feel the DSO is enjoying such prosperity now, largely because of the decisions we made together, as a team. The fact that we got on so well was just the icing on the cake.”
Gather your music-loving ensemble and experience this special evening of stunning music, as Tooby’s DSO curtain drops one last time.
The Choir of Man, the world’s premier mid-tier amateur choral group, scoots down your chimney this Christmas, with carols from contemporary to the classics. Whether you like the Jesus ones, the Santa ones, or the silly ones, this show will have you jingling all the way to Christmas Day.
SUN 7 DEC | 5-7PM
DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB
$33 | $22 CONC | $11 CHILD (U18) | FREE CHILD (U12) facebook.com/darwinrailwayclub
Folk Music Workshop
A fun monthly music workshop where participants bring their own instruments and learn a folk tune or technique by ear from a rotating guest musician. All levels welcome!
SAT 6 DEC | 2-3.30PM DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS FREE topendfolkclub.org
Crystal Robins & The Wildfires Moonflower Vinyl Launch
After releasing her debut LP Moonflower earlier this year, Crystal Robins celebrates the release of this locally created album on a limited run of vinyl. Get amongst a night of live original indie-folk and alt-country tunes, performed by Robins and her band full of NT talent, The Wildfires.
SAT 6 DEC | 7.30-10.30PM FLORA’S TEMPER FREE crystalrobinsmusic.com
This relaxing monthly arvo of music is a must-see, must-do, must-hear. Strum a song and belt out a ballad or kick back with a drink in the shade while other talented musos do!
SUN 7 DEC & SUN 4 JAN | 3-7PM
TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB FREE facebook.com/firstsundayblues
Darwin Celtic Music Sessions
Drop in with your mates and your instruments for good tunes and some good craic at Darwin's monthly Celtic music session, featuring local and visiting musicians playing through an array
of traditional and contemporary music from Ireland, Scotland and the Celtic diaspora. Newcomers welcome.
SUN 7 DEC | 4.30-7.30PM THE LAST SUPPER FREE topendfolkclub.org
Hot ‘n’ Cold Big Band
This 18-piece sensation closes the year with a bang! Don't miss your last chance to experience them live on stage in 2025. Entry includes a free Swing Dance NT lesson. Hip shakin' time.
WED 10 DEC | 8-10PM
DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB $10 facebook.com/darwinrailwayclub
Festive Season Soiree: Constantina Bush and the Casionovas
Be crooned into the holidays with funky, festive tunes from the NT's favourite diva, Constantina Bush, and the spunky Casionovas.
Arrive early and do a spot of gift shopping at the Godinymayin Store before kicking back and enjoying the show.
FRI 12 DEC | 6PM (DOORS), 7PM (SHOW) GYRACC $25 gyracc.org.au
Queen Bohemian Rhapsody – 50 Years On
Featuring Queen’s greatest hits along with a selection of fan-favourite album tracks comes this electrifying tribute show from acclaimed Australian Freddie Mercury impersonator, Thomas Crane.
FRI 12 DEC | 7.30-10PM
AANT CENTRE
$50-$80 yourcentre.com.au
The Church | The Singles Tour:
A Career Retrospective
ARIA Hall of Famer's The Church perform in Darwin for the first time ever. They've rightfully earned a revered place in Australian rock music history and guarantee a timeless, transcendent experience. Join The Church as they perform
their classic singles and celebrate their extraordinary career.
FRI 19 DEC | 7.30-10PM
AANT CENTRE
$60-$100 yourcentre.com.au
New Year’s Eve
Close out another fantastic year in true Territory style with a New Year’s Eve concert headlined by Australian alternative rock band, Eskimo Joe, and a spectacular fireworks display. Welcome 2026 while enjoying plenty of free family fun down at Darwin Waterfront.
WED 31 DEC | 5PM-MIDNIGHT DARWIN WATERFRONT FREE waterfront.nt.gov.au
The House That Jack Built Darwin's trad jazz and swing band, The House That Jack Built, play danceable tunes for their friends, Swing Dance NT, throughout January, while Hot 'n' Cold Big Band is on vacation. Make learning to swing your New Years' resolution and impress your mates with your moves!
WED 7, 14, 21 & 28 JAN | 8-10PM
DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB
$10 facebook.com/ thehousethatjackbuiltdarwin Vasta Ruina + Fuxache + Friends
Original Australian underground music headlined by Vasta Ruina –raw, unrelenting high energy punk rock from Sydney – supported by local bands Fuxache, Batara Kala, Ask The Axis, and Reclaimed. Support your local music scene!
FRI 30 JAN | 7-11.30PM
BUSTARD TOWN
$25 facebook.com/bustardtown
Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks
With 2025 marking 60 years since his first local Melbourne hit single 'Louie Louie' with The Pink Finks, Wilson and his all-star band The Peaceniks hit Darwin to celebrate over 50 years of hits including, all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites along with his latest offerings. Don't miss this two-time ARIA Hall of Famer live on stage, but, please, let's keep our trousers on for 'Eagle Rock'.
SAT 31 JAN | 7.30PM
AANT CENTRE
$61 | $56 MEMB/CONC yourcentre.com.au
Red Centre
Espie St AllStars
Mparntwe's favourite trad jazz outfit, the Espie St AllStars, presents their last gig
Vinyl Candy Trio EVERY TUE | 9PM-MIDNIGHT SWEETHEARTS FREE thecinemacollective.com.au
Nat, Max & Rick Trio EVERY FRI | 12-2.30AM SWEETHEARTS FREE thecinemacollective.com.au Crystal Robins EVERY SUN (FROM 28 DEC) | 6-9PM THE FORESHORE RESTAURANT & CAFE FREE crystalrobinsmusic.com
