Central Australia

Marc Monkey Peckham in collaboration with the Warlpiri people shares the profound music of Crown and Country. This album is part of a powerful and immersive First Nations audiovisual project inviting audiences into the vast desert landscapes and profound ceremonial knowledge of the Warlpiri people. The second single from this powerful project, Palka (Embodiment) tells the story of the Australian continent as the body of the kangaroo, from east coast to west coast, and the songlines and trading routes that cross it as the blood and veins of the kangaroo.

On Arvos with Andy, we had Dr Kelly Lee Hickey. Dr Kelly is part of the Alice Springs Town Council Disability Awards on The International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Dr. Kelly highlighted the great work done by people with a disability who are doing wonderful services in our community. The Mayoral Awards on the 3rd of December are from 3.30pm to 5.30pm followed by the DAS Disco: 6.30 – 9.30 pm all at the Double Tree Hilton.

On Arvos with Andy, we have Sarah Brown from Purple House. The Purple House are celebrating 25 years of operations and have a Community Open Day. The Open Day will commence on Friday 28th of November from 10am to 1pm at the Bush Balm Shop, 15 Lindsay Avenue, East Side. This is a wonderful opportunity to grab some Christmas gifts— browse beautiful ceramics from our patient ceramic group, enjoy coffee and cake, and explore the rich history of Purple House.

On Arvos with Andy we had Laurie May who is the Festival Director of Red Dirt Poetry Festival and the Dirty Word which is an open-mic spoken word poetry event. Laurie joined the show to share some important news that the Red Dirt Poetry Festival has become an incorporated body and now has a calendar of events which will be launched at the Christmas market on the 12th of December from 5pm to till 8.30pm. The calendar highlights all the amazing events throughout the year. The 2026 Red Dirt Poetry Festival will be from August the 20th to the 23rd. 

First Nations rapper Kootsie Don provides 8ccc and opportunity to showcase her new music. Kootsie has an electrifying new track Go Stupid – a high-octane anthem that blends razor-sharp yet witty lyricism with an unapologetic attitude that slaps. Known for her fierce delivery and cultural pride, Kootsie continues to carve out her own space for Blak excellence in Australia’s hip-hop scene. 

On Arvos with Andy we had local music legend and storyteller Ray Murtagh. Ray meanders down memory lane, guitar in hand, playing some of his favourite country tunes as he weaves the narrative of his musical story. Ray’s story began while working on an outback cattle station; music was put on hold mustering cattle until one day the managers of the stations convinced Ray to make a career of music. So, Ray decided to make his home in Alice Springs, start a family and perform for people around town.

On Arvos with Andy, we had Kevin Sullivan. Kevin is well known to 8CCC and the Barkly studio with one of his most recent singles The Three Ways Roadhouse. His latest ‘I’m Barred Again’ is an exciting collaboration with the amazing indigenous singer/songwriter Stuart Joel Nuggett, from Elliott in the NT.

On Arvos with Andy, we had local Hip Hop artist and music collaborator Dan the Underdog. Dan came to 8ccc to promote Alice Kings, a young people's Hip Hop band, who are launching their debut album Young Prodigies. Their music is best described as a means of seeing, celebrating, and commenting on life and the world. Their album will be released on Sunday 23rd November at 12pm to 5pm at the Gap View Hotel.

The NT Cricket Coordinator Kesh Keerthi was interviewed on Arvos with Andy. Kesh highlighted the new Cricket Academy. The Academy helps to provide the selected players with the opportunity for specialised training throughout the season. The psychological aspects of cricket and how it can enhance players' wellbeing and skills were also pointed out by Kesh.

On Royston's Sporting Roundup we had a comprehensive analysis of Barkly Grand Finals by AFL umpire JC Uele who spoke glowingly about this unique and exciting brand of football played in Central Australia. These clubs give local identity, with highly organized competitions for players of all ages and skill levels, foster connections, promote sportsmanship, and contribute to local economies.

On Royston’s Sporting Roundup we had a comprehensive analysis of Barkly Grand Finals by AFL umpire JC Uele who spoke...

The countdown for the 2025 NT Writers Festival is on in Mparntwe-Alice Springs, with two weeks until the event opens at Olive Pink Botanical Gardens.