..NEWS...NEWS....NEWS...
WS...NEWS....NEWS....NEW

Music Outback musicians
on the big stage

Congratulations are due to Natalie PaaPaa and Carlo Santone from the fantastic band Blue King Brown. Having already toured in support of major acts such as John Butler and Silverchair, the band was recently given the honour of touring with the legendary Santana as the Australian support. Dedicated to their work with Music Outback at Laramba community, Natalie and Blue King Brown didn't fail to impress Carlos Santana, himself a great supporter of Indigenous education through his Milagro Foundation. Santana showed his genuine support for upcoming young musicians with a social conscience, and Natalie was given the thrill of her life when invited to come on stage for a jam with the great man and his band every night. Truly a thrilling experience for a deserved and talented young musician. Great work Nat!

Fred Hollows 15 Year
Anniversary

In February a gathering took place in Bourke NSW to celebrate the life and achievements of the late Professor Fred Hollows, the famous opthamologist who did so much to improve eye health in remote Australia and many parts of the third world. It was the 15th anniversary of his death, and many friends and colleagues came to his final resting place of Bourke, paying their respects and remembering the man. Music Outback was there and by special request helped some young Indigenous musicians from nearby Brewarrina take part in the celebrations. These kids have developed their music and songwriting skills through participation in Music Outback workshops at Brewarrina school, and relished the chance to get on stage and show the visiting dignitaries what they could do.
Click here to see more photos from the performance and remberance ceremony the next day.

Flame Award NT Winner

ABC Classic FM and Music Play for Life manage the Flame Awards, given in recognition of quality music programs in Australian schools. The 2007 Northern Territorry award was won by Neutral Junction School, whose music program is delivered by Music Outback Foundation. A tiny Indigenous school 300 km north of Alice springs, our use of first language work there through collaborations with linguist Myf Turpin and community elders such as Tommy Thompson underlines how Music Outback programs form an important part of language and culture connections in schools, as well as helping build links between schools and community members. A nice feather in our cap!

To hear Steve Berry interviewed about the Flame Award on ABC Classic FM's Drivetime show, CLICK HERE.