All roads lead to Katherine for Barunga and Paddy

Keep a look out for Federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten who will be in town for at least two days.

Welcome all the residents of Larrimah, from down the highway, for the two-day inquest into the mysterious disappearance of Paddy Moriarty, on at Katherine Local Court tomorrow and Friday.

Most of the residents are expected to given evidence in a case which has drawn national and international interest.

The Katherine Times plans to present its regular Times at Ten broadcast outside the court tomorrow before the inquest begins.

While Mr Shorten is chiefly here for the 30th anniversary of Bob Hawke’s treaty statement at Barunga, Mr Shorten will also have a few functions to attend in town as well.

Mr Shorten will officially open Federal MP Warren Snowdon’s office near the Bodhi office in Katherine Terrace and be meeting the ALP faithful as well.

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner is expected to attend as well, along with Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Senator Nigel Scullion.

All the NT’s Land Councils will be in town as well for meetings and to attend Barunga.

More than 4000 people are expected to attend Barunga, now Australia’s premier destination for Indigenous music, sport and culture.

With our special guests, and the land councils, Barunga will again play a key role in the future of the nation as a meeting place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia to discuss Treaty.

Federal Labor’s First Nations Caucus Committee will also be in Katherine this week to talk with local people and organisations to get their input into Labor policies and commitment.

First Nations Caucus Chair, Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Secretary Luke Gosling OAM MP, invited the committee to Katherine to ensure local voices and views are heard first hand.

Committee members will host consultations with local people and organisations in Katherine before they head to Barunga for the 30th anniversary celebrations.  

The First Nations Caucus Committee members in Katherine include;

Labor’s First Nations Caucus Committee was established in 2016. Members and Senators from all over Australia make up the Committee. The FNCC advises Caucus and Shadow Cabinet on policies that impact First Nations people.