Northern Territory Minister for the Arafura Games Natasha Fyles

Bringing Back The Arafura Games As Baker Boy Tops Celebration Line-up

Victor P Taffa

Northern Territory Government is bringing back the Arafura Games, and with them comes the chance to see some of the Territory’s biggest entertainment names on stage at the star-studded Opening and Closing Celebrations.

“Territory Government is bringing back the Arafura Games to provide opportunities for Territorians and create jobs.” Minister for the Arafura Games Natasha Fyles said.

“Celebration events will be a showcase of Territory talent, particularly Indigenous talent, and will draw people from around the world to the CBD and Darwin Waterfront.”

Opening Celebration will have a proudly Indigenous flavour, opening with the Prince of Arnhem Land and award-winning hip hop artist Baker Boy, long-time Territorian Shellie Morris and local favourite Leah Flanagan.

“Arafura Games is a chance for the Territory to show what we have to offer when it comes to sport, entertainment, and trade and business opportunities.” Minister Fyles said.

“We are revitalising the Arafura Games and, just as Rocky the original mascot has evolved into the new mascot Milula to reflect the new Games, the Opening and Closing Celebrations will be different this year, with more of a focus on fun than formalities.”

Northern Territory Dance Company, led by Larrakia man Gary Lang, will also perform at the Opening Celebration as part of a special Larrakia welcome.

Shellie Morris, Leah Flanagan, and local songstress Stevie Jean will sing in the Closing Celebration, before the uniquely Territorian Skinnyfish Sound System unleashes a dance party to remember to close out the Games.

“To be asked to be a part of the Arafura Games it’s my first time, and I’m sure it won’t be my last it’s just a straight-out honour working with Ben and the crew. I thought it was a really great opportunity to look outside the norm.” NT Dance Company Artistic Director Gary Lang said.

Both Celebrations will be artistically directed by Ben Graetz, an award-winning Iwaidja/Malak Malak and Badu Island man. The events are being expertly pulled together by local Darwin producing company Accomplice, led by Britt Guy.

“I’m so thrilled, as a Darwin-born Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man, to be the Artistic Director for the Arafura Games Opening and Closing celebrations.” Artistic Director Ben Graetz said.

“We have a strong Northern Territory representation in the celebrations made up of many different local artists, community and cultural groups, including a close working relationship with the local Larrakia community.”

Both events are free and will take place at the Darwin Waterfront. The Opening Celebration will begin at 6.30 pm on Friday, 26 April. The Closing Celebration will begin at 6.30 pm on Saturday, 4 May.