“So much Happens in Alice” – 15 September 2013

In Letters from Alice // 2013.09.16 //

Wonderful last night of the Desert Festival (Opening parade last wednesday with the giant caterpillar was great fun …. the kids from Mutijulu in from the bush doing a great circus gig, …. Aboriginal children enthusiastically playing the drums …. local kids with their decorated bikes sure brought back memories of my own home town parade) with another “Film night in the river”…. moved to inside the “Big Tent” on banks of river due to fears the high wind would take the “blow up” screen up into the night!  A couple of “interesting” local short films …. and then “Satellite Boy” about an Aboriginal boy’s journey to save his Mother’s land from mining and reconnect with his culture and Grandfather … a lovely feel good story, great acting and a delight to see David Gulpilil as the Grandfather …. the hip hop video from “Rock hole” got all our feet tapping and left everyone on a high watching kids, mums, dads, Grannies and Grandfathers doing their song and dance …. grins all round as we all squashed up to make room for everyone who had come to see this free event….

SO much happens in Alice …. including within just last few weeks “Bike Film Festival”, Eco Fair, Henley on Todd “Boat” Regatta in the dry river bed …. Children Singing under the stars,  Australian Ballet …. every week so much .… coming up is the all male Cabaret “Its Raining Men” …. choirs in the Gorge and of course the four day “Mbantua Festival”  (all the Desert Cultures represented – including their dancing)  is coming up …. including a night of the “Bush mechanics”….

This town has a lot of sadness but the participation and connection in the community, creative spirit and fun is extraordinary …. and only five minutes to everything, no traffic (peak traffic is half a dozen cars waiting to cross bridge at 8 am …. or perhaps waiting for train twice a WEEK) …. want to get more of an idea go to www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/events