Territory Day – How will you celebrate this year?
It’s the day thousands of Territorians look forward to. After all, Territory Day is about celebrating this wonderful place we all call home. And with a community as rich and diverse as the Northern Territory, there are many different ways to celebrate. But Territory Day is about much more than having fun and setting off the occasional fire cracker. It marks the day the Northern Territory appointed its very own government.
The Northern Territory was originally part of South Australia. That’s right – the Territory was once ruled by the same local government as ‘down south’. In 1911, the Northern Territory was separated from South Australia and transferred to Commonwealth control. More than sixty years later on July 1 in 1978, the NT was finally appointed as its own Territory, meaning it was no longer governed by the Commonwealth Government in Canberra, rather by a local government led by a Territory-based Chief Minister. This year marks the 37th year since that momentous occasion and today, Territory Day is a day for all Territorians to celebrate the Territory, and what it means to be a Territorian. Whether it’s a BBQ with mates, catching up with family or making a blast with some crackers, it’s all about getting involved and celebrating Territory Day in your own way.
Throughout the Territory, there's a swag of free, family friendly community events proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government. Included in this impressive list is the Free Territory Day Concert at Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach. That's right folks – music, markets, a magnificent sunset and... Mauboy!
The delightful Jessica Mauboy is headlining this year’s concert. This home-grown Territorian is one to proudly call our own. R&B and pop singer Mauboy first shot to fame by becoming runner-up in the fourth season of Australian Idol. But she wasn’t going to stay in second place for very long. Today 'our Jess' is an international superstar and has added acting to her repertoire with stellar performances in Bran Nue Dae and The Sapphires, not to mention performing at Eurovision in 2014 – that’s our girl!
Mauboy will be joined on stage by an eclectic mix of local talent who encapsulate the Territory, perfect for a celebration like this. The beloved and energetic Djuki Mala (Chooky Dancers) from Elcho Island will take to the stage, and local singer songwriter David Garnham will perform with guitar pop band The Moving Targets. Darwin songstress Anna Boustead and her band After The Rain, will bring their unique blend of indie, folk and rock to the stage, while funky four piece Room 105 will have you up and off that picnic rug in no time.
Territorians near and far come together to celebrate Territory Day. Some light up the skies with their Bumble Bees and Cherry Bombs, while others take some time to commemorate this important historical occasion. Either option is fine by us, because let’s face it – there ain’t no place in the world quite like the Territory.
