A FESTIVAL FOR ALL

The Festival of Us is a joyful celebration of who we are as a community – in all our diversity and difference.

WORDS RITA HORANYI

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. 

The Festival of Us 
WHEN MON 26 JAN | 11AM-8PM 
AT TERRITORY NETBALL STADIUM 
COST FREE 

OZ Run 
WHEN MON 26 JAN | 6.30AM 
AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE CARPARK 
COST FREE 
INFO adcnt.org.au 

_{Image: David Hancock}