NT to celebrate cultural diversity on Australia Day

The NT’s cultural diversity will be celebrated this Australia Day in the Festival of Us, and one of the country’s rising sportstars will be along for the ride. Find out what’s going on.

The NT’s incredible diversity will be celebrated on Australia Day through the Festival of Us, which will involve a speech from one of the country’s best-known rising sport stars.

Dual sport professional athlete and Victorian Young Australian of the Year Tayla Harris will deliver the keynote speech at the Territory Netball Stadium to mark the occasion on January 26.

Harris is best known for competing in the AFLW and boxing, but outside the sporting realm is a keen advocate, using her platform to speak on violence against women and gender-based online abuse.

The Territory’s Australia Day celebrations will kick off at the Darwin Waterfront bright and early with a Welcome to Country and the annual Oz Run, followed by a smoking ceremony by Larrakia families.

Trent Lee starts the fire for the smoking ceremony at Darwin Waterfront celebrations. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The festivities then move to the Territory Netball Stadium in Marrara for an afternoon full of events, including Harris’ speech at 12pm.

Entertainment from NT award-winning musician Ngulmiya, interstate band Queen of Hearts and local musicians such as Wairuk Band and Katanga Junior will follow.

Yje Locl Back Parlour will feature games and activities from the GG Social Club, including locally made video games by Larrikin Interactive and The Array, and Karaoke by Next Tier Enterprises.

Renowned Kakadu artist Jacqui Cahill will be on site teaching participants about Aboriginal Art, while Clubhouse Territory will showcase multiple inclusive, accessible sports and activities.

And an array of multicultural performances, DJ workshops, weaving workshops, cupcake decorating, face painting and roving entertainment will keep everyone occupied until the event is finished with a free community dinner.

The Variety NT Ute Run in Hidden Valley. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Australia Day Council chairman Dr Richard Fejo said he was excited to welcome everyone to the Festival of Us event.

“It’s such a great way to allow Territorians to reflect on our collective identities, knowledge, and many diverse cultures,” he said.

“This event is about bringing everyone together to be part of that story as we move forward. There’s something for everyone at the Festival and we’d love to see you there.”

Meanwhile, the annual ute run will take off from Hidden Valley with those getting involved to make their way down from 7am with their utes decked out in everything Australia.