Darwin Dreaming
He strides onto stage, Akubra Stylemaster positioned precisely, exuding a calmness that makes nervous anticipation fall over the gathering, patiently, waiting.
We are in the presence of presence. It is a trait rarely witnessed; the ability to fill a room without saying a word.
He has it, in abundance.
A Tasmanian travelling to Darwin feels like you’ve arrived in a different country. All-consuming warmth, rich red soils and a relaxed way of life that makes us look uptight.
Learning from others, whether interstate or travelling overseas, is important to me. Listening to conversations, asking questions and endeavouring to understand makes me better.
The 2018 Property Congress is fortunate to hear from academic, activist, lawyer and founder of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, Mr Noel Pearson. A magnificent orator who delivers a challenging message, with pauses, which elicit stillness, building space for thought.
Like me, he’s a Paul Keating devotee. Pearson’s words immediately resonate.
He speaks of the “radical centre”; the ability to find common ground between the left and right. I’m captive to his words, his voice: engaged, motivated, reflective, and determined.
Mr Pearson prosecutes Constitutional Recognition for First Nations peoples; a proposition so commonsense it’s difficult to fathom why it hasn’t occurred.
He provokes the audience to consider the lyrics of our national anthem, not through dividing the nation, but through recognising the 50,000-year-old original inhabits of the land, whilst also acknowledging the arrival of British institutions.
Mr Pearson points to New Zealand’s National Anthem – Aotearoa/God Defend New Zealand, combining Maori and English languages; paying respect, acknowledging the past and looking to the future.
His words stir me to imagine a day where young children of all backgrounds feel empowered to perform a traditional dance like the Haka in our country.
Mr Pearson continues - one group considers the arrival an invasion, whilst another considers arrival an enlightening moment for what they believed an unclaimed land.
He encourages us to recognise, reflect and acknowledge – to meet in the centre.
It was my second time to the top end, again on business. I am fortunate to travel as part of my job; returning home more considered and deeper in thought.
The challenges that face Darwin are obvious, self-evident, but not fully comprehended until you stroll the central business district. The capital is working hard to grow up – they recognise the need for population growth and investment to provide long term jobs for Territorians.
Residents also realise, like Tasmania, they have an incredible patchwork of landscapes, completely different to anywhere I have visited.
The port and new residential offerings showcase a city clambering for interstate and international migrants, and the beauty and cultural diversity of the First Nations peoples adds a unique element. A story that must be understood.
The locals are generous; keen to share attractions and lifestyle in a positive and enlightening way. To their credit, they don’t shy away from the issues the aboriginal and broader community confronts.
It is very easy to jump to judgment, to jump to conclusions.
However, the complexity forces you to stop and ask more questions before arriving at even a skerrick of understanding. I offer no solutions. I am not arrogant.
Many have succeeded with education providing impetus for an improved future.
Yet, the more you consider the intricacies, the more you understand that alcohol is a coping mechanism for displacement, dislocation and loss of tradition.
Being considered and framing a concise argument before casting a barrage of views is a practice now practically forgotten. As I draw more wisdom from experiences, the ability to be considered grows. It is a skill we should teach explicitly to children, providing them space and time to think critically, not to simply recall.
The ability to suspend judgement has been made more difficult due to the advancement of the digital world.
Social media is the weapon of choice to demonise, defame, bully, hurt, conquer or abuse. It remains “cowards castle.” A culture of constant feedback has eventuated, bombarding debate once an event occurs or comment made.
I will return to the Northern Territory with my family, and more time, to explore the top end. My brief visit reinforced understanding, and the importance of not rushing to verdict, a skill we should all practise.
Thank you, Mr Pearson, for making me pause.
And thank you Darwin, for reminding me to relax.