Sunday Territorian

Territory stayers a special bunch

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IF you’ve lived in the Territory for more than five years, congratula­tions. You are, as Kelly, Michelle and Beyonce once sang, a “survivor”.

That’s the term demographe­rs use to describe those who’ve chosen to tough it out in this tropical paradise, resisting the temptation to escape back south to the comforts of hour-long commutes and perpetuall­y cold toes.

According to research by Charles Darwin University demographe­rs, about half of all new Territoria­ns arrive here with a fixed term of how long they intended to stay in mind.

For a quarter, that intended stay was less than three years, and 13 per cent planned to stay three to five years. Most who come here with an end date in mind do eventually leave, though half stick around longer than they anticipate­d.

Five years seems to be the magic figure – the point at which the likelihood of leaving plummets and “survival” rates increase. ON THE DAN MURPHY’S LIQUOR APPLICATIO­N

Take over the Palmo Bunnings site! Easy. Bynoe Boar The govt cellar must be empty and need a restock. John Hatcher

I had a mate once that could make a bottle of beer or stout for a total of 2 cents a bottle … He hid his grog stashed under a water tank in the backyard … We found it … happy days ha ha ha. Mark Epworth Yee haw. If it happens. Shez Watkins

One of the key population groups to make the move north are the “career escalators” those who come here to wriggle ahead in their profession­s.

And, as Destiny’s Child predicted, we wind up stronger, richer, smarter and chiller for the experience.

But it turns out high wages About time. Karen McIntyre ON A CYCLIST LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AFTER GOING THROUGH OPENING DRAWBRIDGE

That bridge should have waited for the cyclist. They have right of way on all roads apparently! Scotty ‘Red’ Redman

Yep, all cyclists are arrogant, rule breaking, inconsider­ate assholes aren’t they! Well apparently, anyway. David Rylah Rules don’t apply to cyclists! Nick Scott Pissed or stupid or both. Oh and here come the anti bike brigade do little to keep people around long term.

According to James Thurmer at CDU, it’s not until you’re earning more than $150,000 a year that higher wages make much of a difference to your decision to stay or go.

What does make a difference is a sense of belonging. Of internatio­nal migrants, Filipino and Indian are two of the most likely nationalit­ies to stay long term, both migrant groups which have strong, connected communitie­s.

In a report to the NT Government, CDU researcher­s suggested social media as a way to boost the number of survivors.

Facebook and Instagram can’t you hear em all in the background. It will be the rules, followed by the Lycra, then a carry on about the road taxes next will be all about the road toads when in fact this woman is about as stupid as most these drivers are. James Neill Natural selection foiled yet again...... Earl Pickerin Remove all warning signs. #thintheher­d. Shane Collins What an idiot. Veronika Smith ON A WAITRESS BODYSLAMMI­NG A CUSTOMER AFTER HE GRABBED HER BUM

Body slam, I was expecting to see her pick him up and drop him like a sack of spuds over a table! LOL Good on her, although she should’ve kicked him up the nuts for good measure! Daniel Duggan

Good on her! Maybe he will be too scared to do that again! Helen Davies

Fantastic! Every woman should have the confidence and ability to do this for themselves! Tara Grace Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Kerry Kent She’s a waitress … it’s her job to take out the trash. Mel Biernacki

Who would be the hero if the roles were reversed? Simon Leigh Nice work! Well done! Melina Callicazar­os

Good for you girl … show them they can’t do what they want. Mike Bull

He got just what he deserved and I don’t usually condone that type of physical reaction. Who the hell thinks it’s okay to touch someone without their permission? Brian Birt

Maybe she could take up a job with UFC instead? Carl Perkins

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 ?? Picture: ELISE DERWIN ?? Darwin life is more than just ski club sunsets and laksas, says Hayley Sorensen
Picture: ELISE DERWIN Darwin life is more than just ski club sunsets and laksas, says Hayley Sorensen
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