8CCC Big Brekky

8CCC's Kate Lyons-Dawson caught up with ICONYX, an emerging musical artist from WA who has family here in Mparntwe. Having just released a video for Blak on Trak, this Pintupi and Kukatja singer songwriter is returning to the recording studio with her band, who also appears on the video. News for 2026 includes an appearance on ABC TV’s The Piano (Season 2) - now available on iview - and part of RTRFM’s In The Pines in April. Stay tuned for news of a plan to visit Mparntwe later this year!

8CCC Brekky Show caught up with Mparntwe Alice Springs Mayor Asta Hill to discuss some of the business raised at this month's Town Council meeting. Listen back to find out the progress on Todd Mall since the rain and the Council's concerns regarding the response to the Draft Buffel Grass Weeds Management plan. Listeners might be interested to hear the Red Cross Lifeblood has rejected the Mayor's request for the return of a blood donor centre, whether permanent or mobile have been rejected. We chat about the first stage of the new library consultation and the Mayor's meeting with the new NT Administrator here in Mparntwe. There's news about the revised art policy and the live installation and official launch event for the Geoff Miers Commemorative Roundabout, planned for 27 April - stay tuned!

 On Arvos with Andy we had Josefina and Zoe from MHACA discussing the importance of maintaining good Mental Health and balance in our busy lives. Mental health team indicates strategies for good mental Health begins with reaching out to each other and sharing your feelings. It was suggested that if you need support start making changes speak to your GP or utilise online resources. If you feel overwhelmed or are in distress, 24-hour support services are available: Lifeline 13 11 14 -- www.lifeline.org.au Lifeline text service (evenings) 04771311 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 – www.beyondblue.org.au 

Local ranger Katharine Peters and Leahena Chum from MCSCA, came into 8CCC Brekky Show to invite the newcomers to Mparntwe Alice Springs and the multicultural community to a series of events - Welcome to the Wild. These monthly Sunday events are brought to you as a collaboration with the NT Parks and Wildlife and MCSCA, walking in various locations with experienced guides.The season kicks off with an Intro to the Outback at Olive Pink Botanic Gardens this Saturday 28 March 3-5pm.

Anas Kulangara,Chairperson from IMRC, came in to invite everyone to Eid Celebration on Saturday 28 March on the Town Council lawns from 3-7pm and all are welcome! Brought to you with partners MCSCA and Alice Springs Town Council.

On Arvos with Andy as part of the FabAlice Festival we had Kitty Obsidian. Kitty is a proud Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi trans performer specialising in slow seduction, ferocious fetish & sickening sideshow! Kitty is uniquely showcasing Drag, culture in a Cabaret atmosphere this weekend. As they celebrate the inclusivity and diversity of the Red Centre.

On Arvos with Andy, we had the latest from Sally Balfour Sayonara Nakamura as a tribute to Ted Egan. Sally remermised that Ted’s song has been part of her life since Sally was a child, when my father used to sing it to me as a lullaby. Sally Balfour also mentioned that “after performing it live for many years, I asked Ted if I could record my own version, and with his encouragement I’ve created a recording that honours both the history behind the song and his remarkable storytelling”. 

On Royston’s Sporting Roundup, we had Fiona Brown. Fiona is the Regional Physical Literacy and Sport Education Coordinator. Fiona gave us an update of the many sports played within NT schools across the Central region of the Northern Territory.

On Arvos with Andy, we had emerging Soft Rock artist Kesh Keerthi. Kesh’s music is characterized by mellow tempos, emotional lyrics about love and life. Kesh is one of the new artists about to break through on the Mparntwe scene. 

This Thursday 26 March, join in Penangke's Cultural Induction Workshop at Alice Springs Desert Park, Red Mulga Room. These monthly sessions, open to individuals and organisations are essential to ground into Mparntwe Alice Springs and Central Australia. Raymond Walters Penangke speaks about the organisation's aims and how the session will assist with understanding place and learning respect.  

On Arvos with Andy, we had Billy Hayze from “Billy & The Bandits” with their brand-new hit single Turn On The Radio.  This song is about breaking out of your comfort zone, embracing what is out there, with no regrets. The pair write, record, and produce their own music which explores many styles of country. If you like narrative driven song writing, they have a song (or two) for you!

8CCC's Kate Lyons-Dawson phoned St John NT's Director Volunteer Event Health Services, Mark Ferguson while he was responding to the floods in Katherine. He generously took time out to talk the listeners through what's involved in nominating for the NT Volunteer Awards. Nominations are open until 7 April.