‘It was good to see people already lined up and eager to go just like we were’: Territorians celebrate Australia Day with annual Ute Run
TERRITORIANS got creative at this year’s Australia Day Ute Run, with vehicles featuring kangaroos holding stubbies, Hills hoists and more. SEE the PHOTOS HERE.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
KANGAROOS clutching beers, Hills hoists and hundreds of national flags flew down the Stuart Highway today for the 20th annual Australia Day Ute Run.
More than 250 utes drove from Hidden Valley to Noonamah Tavern in celebration of Australia Day and to raise money for Variety NT’s Freedom Camp at Goanna Park.
It was John Standing’s first time participating in the ute run.
MORE TOP NEWS
Multiple tropical lows in the Top End to bring strong wind, heavy rain
Former NRL player named as man killed in Darwin quad bike crash
Youths caught red handed on film shoplifting from restaurant
He and partner Bee put their heads together to create a “nothing over the top, nothing underneath either” masterpiece with a kangaroo holding a Great Northern and a crocodile clutching a Bundy on the back.
Mr Standing also decked himself out in an Australian flag onesie, Bundy apron and Ashes cricket hat.
“Australia Day is whatever floats your imagination of who you are, and how you look at your ute and your country,” he said.
“It was good to see people already lined up and eager to go just like we were.
“We met a lot of good people there and got a few good numbers.
“We both quite enjoyed seeing all the utes out there and all the different imaginations.”
Alanna Oppermann’s ute was dedicated to the Territory, featuring an homage to legendary crocodile Sweetheart, fishing gear and a canoe her dad found at Groote Eylandt 30 years ago.
“Everything NT I could possibly think of I fit on,” she said.
NT NEWS sizzling new deal: Get all your news for just $5 a month
She said it was heartwarming to see so many decked out utes. “I loved it, it was such a great day,” she said.
“I noticed there were so many more people out. Every turn you took there were people cheering us on.”
Ms Oppermann encouraged Territorians to get involved next year.
“It’s about being creative and getting everyone involved,” she said.
Territory start-up counting down to healthier eating
A Northern Territory start-up has found the balance between taste and calories. Read how and who will benefit.
Voters ‘felt disenfranchised’ during election: Paech
Shadow Attorney-General Chansey Paech says the failed Voice to Parliament referendum played “a role” in the election result, maintaining voters were “disenfranchised” heading to the ballot box.