Issue 118 • April 2014

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BARUNGA FESTIVALTHE MAGIC OF

Celebrating Indigenous culture, music and remote community life

BEAUTIFULLY BYRON The highlife has never been so laidback

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS The 2014 calendar is packed with events and festivals

to Manila

With the wet season almost at an end, now’s the perfect time to plan your next trip away. For some great destination ideas, we take a look at a wide range of events happening across our network over the next few months.

The Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience will be held again on the banks of the Ord River in Kununurra. If you have yet to attend this concert, I highly recommend getting in quick. It’s the highlight of the Kimberley calendar, and this year attendees will be entertained by Eskimo Joe, The Waifs and John Williamson.

Barunga Festival is on again in the Northern Territory over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June. In its 29th year, the event has a strong history of supporting remote Indigenous communities coming together to celebrate through music, sports and traditional arts and culture. It also attracts some big names in the music industry.

For motor enthusiasts there’s the Perth 400 V8 Supercars Championships; for the young-at-heart there’s the Groovin’ the Moo music festival in Townsville; and for something a bit out of the ordinary the Beach Polo Championships will be hotly contested again on the golden sands of Cable Beach in Broome.

Whether you’re interested in arts, music, sports or adventure, there is something on the calendar for everyone.

So sit back, enjoy our in-flight service, and we hope you enjoy this issue.

Michael BridgeChief Executive Officer

Welcome aboard!

AIRNORTH RESERVATIONS: 1800 627 474 AIRNORTH.COM.AU

The Shinju Matsuri Festival in Broome, WA.

Favourite destination this issue

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citybites

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UNDERGROUND COOLSYDNEY

Back in the 1930s, East Sydney was a neighbourhood in which you’d have to be pretty tough or stupid to step out alone. It was seedy and downright dangerous. Fast-forward to 2014 and it’s still a fascinating part of Sydney, chockers with interesting characters and retaining much of its history. Many of its back lanes and alleys, which were once the scenes of murder and mayhem, have been given a facelift, but they could still pass for a set on a 1930s film shoot. In one of these alleys – Crown Lane, Darlinghurst – is a bar and eatery called Love, Tilly Devine, which pays homage to one of Sydney’s most notorious brothel owners, who was married to an underworld gangster known for abusing her and her working ladies. Tilly was eventually done for tax evasion and passed away a poor woman. The owners of Love, Tilly Devine, named the bar after the colourful madam in remembrance of the area’s history – many of Tilly’s girls worked the lane. Today, pull up a stool in the 40-seater bar, select from a list of more than 300 wines from the best regions around the world, or indulge in a seriously good cognac or single malt whisky. It’s just the place to impress a business associate or take a new date. And, these days, they won’t need to dodge bullets or working girls en route. lovetillydevine.com

nightout

ORIENTAL FOCUSADELAIDE

A sense of opulence is always in the air at From Orient in downtown Adelaide. The restaurant’s decor references Chinese heritage while embracing modern architecture and design, leaving the interior feeling spacious and, at the same time, intimate. The floor-to-ceiling polished-steel birdcage sculptures, large, dome-shaped black lights with warm, golden-yellow interiors, luxurious marble-topped benches and highly polished floorboards all set the scene for a lavish Chinese dining experience. The provincial origins of the menu are of utmost importance to the owners, who source the freshest local and imported ingredients to prepare dishes that have unique flavours and perfect balance. A sharing dish that highlights the intricacy involved in meal preparation is shui zhu yu. Layers of fragrant, complex spices are used in this tender fish dish and three specialty chillis are imported to make its creation possible. The fish fillets are drowned in a chilli and green peppercorn broth that includes bean sprouts. Don’t leave without trying the homemade tofu spring rolls with dipping sauce – they’re among the best. fromorient.com.au

spicytastes

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CHOW DOWNDARWIN

Upon entering CHOW in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct and clocking the Japanese blossom mural, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in a Japanese restaurant. Then you might spot the waving fortune cat and presume it to be a blend of Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Or Malaysian. Possibly Vietnamese. The best thing is: It’s all of the above and more. CHOW is a fusion of Asian cuisine and the main focus is on fresh local produce served in a laid-back, fun atmosphere amid colourful decor. You can get everything here, from sugarcane prawns in lettuce cups with rice noodles (sounding Thai), to Saigon spring rolls (take a guess), to a Malaysian curry soup or laksa. Pair all those with the range of cooling Asian ales, whole-coconut drinks and cocktails that, well, you just need in Darwin to stay hydrated, and you’re in an Asian haven. What better place for it than a city that prides itself on its multicultural heritage? After all, Darwin is a melting pot of Asian cultures. As they say, the proof of the pudding – or the dumpling – is in the eating. Yes, Darwinians and visitors are all loving CHOW, flocking here in droves. chowdarwin.com.au

asiantreats

SLICE OF HEAVENDARWIN

SKYCITY Darwin Hotel within the casino complex is our northern capital’s latest five-star boutique hotel. Deep within its impressive jungle of tropical gardens (locals joke that you could drop a coin in this fertile city and it would grow) there’s now a spa and wellbeing sanctuary. Step through the doors of Lagoon Day Spa on a typically hot Darwin day and indulge in some luxurious pampering while revitalising your body and mind. Choose a treatment from the extensive list and then chill out in the adjoining relaxation rooms, where staff are happy to bring you champagne and a platter of cheese, crackers, cold meats and fruit. Why not? It’s the perfect way to spend ‘me time’. There are eight treatment rooms with private courtyards and outdoor baths, and a swimming lagoon from which the spa took its name. Try the Mud Massage Therapy, which uses clay and natural oils to detox the skin. Olive and grape seed oils are used to protect, smooth and condition, while Asian herbs containing antioxidants are used to stimulate circulation. It’s mud magic by a lagoon in Darwin’s new slice of heaven. skycitydarwin.com.au

blissout

WHILE MUCH of the country prepares for winter, the Top End enters its dry season characterised by warm, sunny days and balmy nights – perfect for relaxing on the banks of the majestic Ord River in Kununurra to enjoy the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience on Saturday, May 24.

From humble beginnings in 2001, the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience and the Ord Valley Muster came to life quietly as a simple one-night affair – a pleasant dinner in the Outback for local businesses. Since then it has grown at lightning speed to be firmly established as a pre-eminent event in the national festival calendar.

Now in its 14th year as the Muster’s major drawcard, the concert continues to receive international attention and acclaim. Attracting more than 5000 patrons, including 600 guests enjoying a five-star concert and dining experience, this truly is

a unique event where city and country folk meet, mingle and dance under the stars.

This year’s concert line-up is headlined by Eskimo Joe, The Waifs and John Williamson, supported by a number of talented local artists, such as 42 Decibel.

Eskimoes ready to rock Over the past few years, Eskimo Joe has become one of Australia’s biggest bands, successfully straddling mainstream commercial success while remaining true to their alternative music roots. Throughout their career, Eskimo Joe has racked up a list of impressive awards and widespread recognition.

With six studio albums under their belts and sales exceeding 750,000 in Australia alone, the band has seen three of those albums debut at #1 on the ARIA charts, with juggernaut ‘Black

Fingernails, Red Wine’ shining for 62 weeks in the Top 50, and ‘Foreign Land’ bringing home two APRA Awards for Most Played Rock Song on Australian Radio and Best Rock Song of 2010.

Eskimo Joe has received 35 ARIA nominations to date – a number surpassed only by Silverchair, Powderfinger, Kylie Minogue and John Farnham. They have brought home three international songwriting awards, 11 WAMi Awards and eight ARIAs, plus 11 of their songs were featured in Triple J’s Hottest 100. Certainly a long way from their humble beginnings as much-loved indie rock kids in Fremantle.

The Waifs reuniteSisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson left their home in Albany in 1992 as the duo Colours. They met guitarist Josh Cunningham in Broome and became

Stars shine at the Kimberley Moon

The boys from Eskimo Joe will headline at this year’s concert.

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This page from left: The balmy nights of the dry season are perfect for outdoor events; John Williamson; The Waifs.

recognisable and important to Australia as the Southern Cross is to the flag. He has released more than 40 albums, 10 videos, five DVDs and two lyric books. He has sold more than four million albums in Australia alone. Many of his albums have gone gold and platinum. In 1970, Williamson’s first song, ‘Old Man Emu’, went to #3 and was given gold certification. He has received 26 Golden Guitar trophies at the Country Music Awards of Australia, won three ARIA Awards for Best Country Album, and in 2010 was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. After 43 years in the music industry, touring constantly over that period, Williamson’s career is stronger than ever and he continues writing and recording new songs.

Now in its 14th year, the concert continues to receive international attention and acclaim.

The Waifs. Travelling in a van, they played gigs anywhere in Australia that would have them. Since then, The Waifs have won multiple ARIA Awards, achieved platinum albums and have successfully toured the world. Their EP ‘London Still’ (2002) gave the band its first Australian hit, followed in 2003 by the ‘Lighthouse’ EP and the album ‘Up All Night’, which went double platinum in Australia and earned them four ARIA Awards. That same year they toured Australia with Bob Dylan, who subsequently invited them to join him on his North American tour. After a couple of years resting from their global travels, The Waifs are now ready to pack their van and reunite for a special run of concerts, starting with the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience.

Aussie icon John WilliamsonCountry music singer-songwriter John Williamson is, without question, an Australian icon. His voice and sound is as

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DILI-BASED hospitality entrepreneur Sakib Awan held a celebration for the grand opening of Timor-Leste’s flagship Burger King restaurant at Timor Plaza last month. Elias Diaz Sese, president of Burger King Asia Pacific at Burger King Holdings Inc., flew in to attend the event.

“We are very excited to bring the Burger King brand and the world-famous Whopper® sandwich to Timor-Leste,” Sese said in his remarks to guests. “We have the right partner in Sakib Awan to drive our business and bring our world-class food to our fans in Timor-Leste.”

Awan said the Burger King opening was the culmination of more than three years of hard work and planning.

“My initial approaches were met with the response that the Timor-Leste market was not yet ready for Burger King. But I knew this country’s time had come,” he said. “I’ve had to face the challenge of replicating all of the details of the restaurant and the menu to a standard that is consistent with all Burger King franchises throughout the world, and that challenge has been met.

“Our Timorese staff have been selected for their aptitude, and trained to deliver professional service that is worthy of the brand name. They have also gained valuable food preparation and hygiene skills, which they are already putting into practice in this very busy restaurant. Their achievement demonstrates that, in spite of their inexperience, given

high-quality training and management systems, Timorese staff are the equal of any other Burger King staff anywhere in the world. I have to say I’ve never been more confident about the ability of a team to deliver consistent, high-quality service.

“I’m proud to say this is one of the biggest Burger King restaurants within a shopping centre in the whole of the company’s Asia-Pacific division. It’s a milestone for Timor-Leste.”

The formal opening of the Burger King restaurant was attended by many dignitaries, including Former President, Nobel Laureate Jose-Ramos Horta; Vice Prime Minister Fernando La Sama de Araújo; the Ambassador of the Philippines, Maria Aileen Bugarin; and Timor Plaza Chairman Jape Kong Su.

First Burger King for Timor-Leste

The Burger King opening was the culmination of more than three years of hard work and planning.

The new restaurant is bringing world-class hospitality training to Timor-Leste – and great burgers.

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airnorthhighlight

Fabulous events and festivals set to make Airnorth destinations shine in 2014

April 19–21Fremantle Street Arts Festival, PerthThe Fremantle Street Arts Festival is set to bring some of the world’s best street theatre, outdoor theatre, music, comedy, circus and cabaret performers to this iconic port city over the Easter long weekend. With artists coming from as far away as The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, Israel and the US, expect a diverse range of top-class performances, from a human knot to giant roving dinosaurs.fremantle.wa.gov.au

May 3Lake Argyle Swim, KununurraThe Lake Argyle Swim event comprises a 10- or 20-kilometre swim, either solo, duo or quad. Located 75 kilometres from Kununurra, Lake Argyle covers 980 square kilometres and is 21 times greater in size than Sydney Harbour. Held at one of the most spectacular places to visit, the event provides experienced swimmers with an unsurpassed outback adventure.lakeargyleswim.com

May 4Groovin’ The Moo

Festival, Townsville2014 marks the 10th

anniversary of this dynamic youth festival

that attracts thousands of locals and tourists to Townsville. GTM is

Australia’s only regional national touring music

event and is about connecting with the local

regional community through live music in

a beautiful location and relaxed atmosphere.

For this year’s line-up – which includes

Sydney lads The Presets (pictured) – and to

purchase tickets, visit the GTM website.gtm.net.au

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May 9–18Fremantle Heritage Festival, Perth

Quirky and feisty, intriguing and surprising, Fremantle captures the hearts of Western Australians like nowhere else.

The Fremantle Heritage Festival delves into the past to find out what makes

Fremantle special. Explore the battles fought for workers’ rights, the feats and

follies of eccentric characters, the art, the music, the culture, vintage fashion,

motorcycles, fishing and pub crawls.fremantle.wa.gov.au

May 10–16Asia Pacific Outgames 2014, Darwin

The Outgames bring together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex athletes from around the world in huge numbers for a celebration of sports, culture and human rights. In the spirit

of inclusiveness, the Outgames are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation.

3apog.com.au

May 16–18Perth 400 V8 SupercarsGet your pulse racing at the Perth 400 V8 Supercars Championship. This action-packed weekend includes two 100-kilometre races on Saturday and a 200-kilometre race on Sunday. Don’t miss the excitement when Volvo is added to the V8 Supercars grid under the new Car of the Future rulebook, joining Holden and Ford and 2013’s newcomers, Nissan and Erebus Motorsport.v8supercars.com.au

May 16–25Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, KununurraNow in its 14th year, this iconic event will feature an outstanding line-up of concerts and activities highlighting Kununurra’s extraordinary cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape and warm country hospitality. The Ord Valley Muster is a celebration of the extraordinary talent to be found in the East Kimberley region.ordvalleymuster.com

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May 24Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience, KununurraStaged on the banks of the majestic Ord River, the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience is the pinnacle event of the Ord Valley Muster. Bring your rug, picnic hamper, esky and dancing shoes and enjoy the landscape, the people and the party under the dazzling Kimberley moon. It will be a full night of entertainment featuring Eskimo Joe, The Waifs, (pictured here), John Williamson and local artists. ordvalleymuster.com

May 24–25Pinctada Cable Beach Polo Festival, BroomeThe pristine sands of Broome’s iconic Cable Beach will come alive when Australia’s only beach polo tournament is played. Pinctada Cable Beach Polo Festival will feature leading polo players and their ponies vying for glory across two days of thrilling beach polo action that culminates in an international clash. cablebeachpolo.com.au

May 30 and then monthly until September–see website

A Taste of BroomeA Taste of Broome is a unique multi-arts performance and cuisine event

created around the Indigenous culture within Broome’s multicultural

community. Promoting the vibrant soul that is the essence of Broome’s

identity, this ticket-only event showcases music, media, dance, food, arts and crafts, tradition and heritage.

goolarri.com/atob

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airnorthevents

THIS HOTLY contested catch-and-release event, now in its 10th year, is held annually during the ‘run-off season’ in Nhulunbuy, on the coast of East Arnhem Land. Managed by the Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club, this female-only team event attracts dozens of keen anglers across the Top End for two days of nonstop fishing action.

East Arnhem Land is one of the Top End’s spectacular natural destinations. Its scenery is beautiful and diverse, including incredible rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, remote island escapes and rivers teeming with fish. Visitors are certainly spoilt for choice.

This year’s tournament, which was held on March 1 and 2, attracted 115 competitors in 38 teams, who collectively caught a total of 396 fish of various species such as Barramundi, Jewfish, Coral Trout, Mackerel, and even a Black Marlin found its way on to the score cards. This ensured the organisers were kept busy keeping up with the demand of weigh-ins, photos and data recording.

This year’s winners include:Overall Champion Team: ULUA Chicks with 20190 pointsChampion Angler: Tara CanobieChampion Billfish angler: Susan StiffChampion Female Junior: Savanne CanobieChampion Reef Team: ULUA ChicksChampion Land Base Team: Devin Shine Champion Estuary Team: Crillin IT

Congratulations to all anglers, their crews and Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club for putting on another successful tournament, with all proceeds going to Look Good … Feel Better NT, a non-medical and brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help them manage appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Special thanks to the event supporters, Banubanu Wilderness Retreat and Walkabout Lodge in Gove, for their friendly hospitality in looking after the teams who flew in to compete in this year’s event.

For information about next year’s Airnorth Ladies Classic contact Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club on 08 8987 8333 or visit the Facebook page of NRSFC Airnorth Ladies Fishing Classic.

Airnorth Ladies Fishing ClassicSince 2009, Airnorth has been the proud naming sponsor of one of the best female fishing tournaments in the Northern Territory.

Getting there and aroundAirnorth operates daily flights between Darwin and Gove Airports, servicing Nhulunbuy and the surrounding communities. Visit airnorth.com.au for great internet fares, call Airnorth Reservations on 1800 627 474 or contact your local travel agent.

Once you’re there, hire a 4WD or arrange for the friendly team at Gove Taxis or Bush Taxis to assist you with transfers throughout the township. There are two Bush Taxis operators who offer a service out to the Indigenous homelands.

You’ll need a permit to visit or access many of the areas and Indigenous homelands around Nhulunbuy. For more information visit dhimurru.com.au or nlc.org.au.

Where to stayAccommodation in Nhulunbuy ranges from camping to hotel/motel-style options. You can even spend the night on board a boat on a chartered fishing tour. For information about where to stay in East Arnhem Land visit travelnt.com today.

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