KATHERINE became a true melting pot of cultures when visiting military personnel got a taste of traditional indigenous artwork on August 20.
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As part of the non-operational part of Exercise Pitch Black 14, about 40 participants - comprising 13 individual nations - visited Mimi Aboriginal Arts and Crafts to meet local artists and get up close to their work.
With camera shutters clicking and questions flying across the arts centre, the highlight of the event was when Saudi Arabian Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Mohammed Al Shahrani picked up a didgeridoo for the first time and, with a few tips from its creator, Rodney King, succeeded in making sound.
“It’s good, it’s very good,” beamed Lt-Col Mohammed Al Shahrani as he watched Mr King’s mastery of the instrument.
RAAF Deputy Director of International Engagement Wing Commander Paula Ibbotson said the feedback from the international personnel about the visit had been outstanding.
“This is about our international visitors coming here for Exercise Pitch Black to understand where they’re coming and the culture, and to showcase that culture,” she said.
“The Mimi centre is part of the Katherine community, so we want them to know that when they come here, they are welcome, too.
“These are our friends, our air force friends.
“The military is a people business and [with Exercise Pitch Black 14] they see us, see we fly the same sort of aircraft and see some of the fantastic training opportunities we have down here.”
Mimi Aboriginal Arts and Crafts executive office Barbara Ambjerg Pedersen said the visit was a coup for both the facility and indigenous communities across the Northern Territory.
“For Mimi, it gives us a chance to talk about the culture and about the diversity,” she said.
“It’s nice to see they are interested in the culture.
“The arts centre belongs to all Aboriginal people in the Katherine region.”