Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Desert harmony

Come September, the town of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory will once again celebrate the beginning of the inland Spring with its Desert Harmony Festival. Now in its sixth year, the Festival involves the whole community in organising, performing, exhibiting and enjoying the multitude of talents and diverse experience that a desert environment has to offer.

The Tennant Creek Town Council has been responsible for organising the Festival for the past three years and partially funds the event. During the week long celebration, events reflect all aspects of the region. This includes the multicultural nature of the population, the strength of Aboriginal culture and the areas' pioneering and mining history.

While the program is enhanced by the many visiting artists who contribute to the Festival, the mainstay of the organisation is the local community. Many volunteers are involved in organisation, and local artists and community groups contribute their talent.

Local businesses and groups provide financial support along with Council. Events, from theatre to street parades, offer entertainment and activity for people of all ages. Music, including classical, indigenous and rock and roll, art work, dancing and craft are all featured in a program catering for all ages and interests. Visitors to past Festivals have noted that though small, Tennant Creek could well teach larger towns and cities how to foster local festival spirit.

For further information contact Pam Perry, telephone (08) 8962 2849.

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