The following link is about just one of the programs run by Batchelor in Alice Springs.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Tribute Concert to Ted Egan
I've just spent a most delightful two and a half hours at
the final Alice Springs Desert Park Courtyard Session for 2012. It was my first time, but it’s been on my
calendar since before I left Sydney. I
first encountered Ted Egan’s songs on my first trip to the Centre with Teachers’
College in 1977. In 1995 on our trip around
Australia with the girls, Greg surprised me by getting tickets to Ted’s
concert. After the show Ted sat outside
with the all the kids and pointed out the constellations in the Alice sky. Every time I look at Orion’s belt, I remember
that night and Ted. His autobiography, Sit
Down Up North, was instrumental in my initial understanding of aspects of
Indigenous culture, and my desire to learn more. It well may have planted the first seeds of
interest in what I am now doing. As
well as being a prolific songwriter, Ted is an historian, was a teacher and has
worked closely with Indigenous communities in a variety of capacities, and is a
National Living Treasure… and a really
genuine bloke. He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1991 for his services to the Aboriginal people and contribution to Australia's literary heritage. I was privileged to meet
him at a party several weeks ago.
Several talented local musicians sang songs Ted had written,
and some of their own, and then we were treated to Ted performing himself –
under the Alice stars. I cannot believe how
lucky I am to be here. I left with a smile on my face, and a handful of CDs to
entertain me – my original tape has had its day. You probably know some of his songs - Two
Little Boys recorded by Rolf Harris and Drover's Boy recorded by John Williamson. Of course, neither of them accompanies their songs
on the beer carton – tonight it was the ‘Fosterphone’! If you don’t know Ted’s songs, download some
or feel free to visit me and I’ll introduce you to his musical history of Australia.
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| Ted Egan with the West Macdonnells in the background |
Friday, November 2, 2012
Little visitor
Aforementioned rodent, who should be deterred by somewhat annoying electric beeper, has just put in a guest appearance and is clearly totally unperturbed by irritating noise. Looks like I can save some power and my ears!
Visitor and Hugs in the Centre
I can't believe it's been nearly two months since I wrote - and more than that since I arrived in Alice Springs. I was blessed with my first house guest of the human variety last week - I try not to count the ants, spiders and small furry rodent who pop by from time to time!
It was so lovely to have Melissa here - especially as she was clearly as besotted with the Red Centre as I am! She now carries a piece of the Heart in her heart! We also got to share the visit with some new friends from Scotland who I met on my dancing holiday in Victoria. It was so much fun showing off my new home and hometown.
After enjoying a few dinners and eating way too much on the dancing holiday, I decided to start walking in the mornings. I finally made the effort yesterday and was rewarded with a kangaroo jumping across the track and a flock of budgerigars flying so close that I could feel the wind as they passed me from behind!
A few days ago I was thinking that one of the things that you really miss when you are away from family and friends is hugs. There is no one to hug you. It was a sad thought, and I realised how easy it is to feel very lonely with no close contact. It's interesting the difference a few days makes. Today I got several heartfelt hugs from my students. It was the end of an intensive workshop week, and they had submitted their assignments and were heading off home to various towns and communities in NT, QLD and NSW. The hugs were unexpected, and treasured. I was also told I was 'Deadly' - the greatest compliment I could have received. The Indigenous awards are called the Deadly Awards - the Deadlys. So ... if I miss out on a few hugs, I can be happy knowing that it is really worthwhile - I am doing something deadly by being here and that is what this time in Alice Springs is all about.
It was so lovely to have Melissa here - especially as she was clearly as besotted with the Red Centre as I am! She now carries a piece of the Heart in her heart! We also got to share the visit with some new friends from Scotland who I met on my dancing holiday in Victoria. It was so much fun showing off my new home and hometown.
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| My Studio Apartment |
 |
| My kitchen |
After enjoying a few dinners and eating way too much on the dancing holiday, I decided to start walking in the mornings. I finally made the effort yesterday and was rewarded with a kangaroo jumping across the track and a flock of budgerigars flying so close that I could feel the wind as they passed me from behind!
A few days ago I was thinking that one of the things that you really miss when you are away from family and friends is hugs. There is no one to hug you. It was a sad thought, and I realised how easy it is to feel very lonely with no close contact. It's interesting the difference a few days makes. Today I got several heartfelt hugs from my students. It was the end of an intensive workshop week, and they had submitted their assignments and were heading off home to various towns and communities in NT, QLD and NSW. The hugs were unexpected, and treasured. I was also told I was 'Deadly' - the greatest compliment I could have received. The Indigenous awards are called the Deadly Awards - the Deadlys. So ... if I miss out on a few hugs, I can be happy knowing that it is really worthwhile - I am doing something deadly by being here and that is what this time in Alice Springs is all about.
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