Bushranger

Rings like a broken record

AT every Darwin council press conference, council spin doctor Jane de Gault gives one last chorus of “phones off everyone” before cameras and microphones are switched on. But for some, that instruction is too hard. On Wednesday, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis’ phone rang off mid-presser, prompting an awkward round of laughs from media and council staff. “Don’t worry, I’ve been in Bushranger for this before,” he said. But, Lord Mayor, just like your phone being a serial offender for ringing at inconvenient times, Bushie will happily dob you in until you turn your phone off.

Territory’s Top 40 leak

FOR many the countdown of the NT’s Top 40 songs was a much wanted distraction from the unexciting Territory Day due to COVID-19 restrictions. But in the lead-up to the anticipated event ABC Country Hour host Matt Brann played a tune by NT musician Ted Egan. He wondered if Egan would make it into the countdown. A few minutes later countdown host Liz Trevaskis sent Brann a text confirming he indeed was featured, giving away part of the secret countdown. Maybe next year’s edition needs Deloittes to keep the results a secret.

Not quite so diverse

THEY’RE the party of diversity – or so they keep saying. But the ALP’s actions might speak louder than their words. Chief Minster

Michael Gunner’s decision to exclude Cathryn Tilmouth from his $2500-a-head fundraiser at The Cav last month did nothing to improve the Government’s relationship with her employer, Santos. Bushie has since learned that if she had been allowed to attend, she would have been the only Aboriginal person in the room — and the only woman.

NT politics a real snooze

IT CAN be exciting to watch prospective political candidates duke it out with words ahead of the upcoming NT election, but the thrill is not for everyone. At this week’s candidate meet and greet for the seat of Fong Lim, one audience member dozed off while the candidates were taking hits at one another. Politics can be exciting and exhausting.

Cough up for your friends

OFFICE workers were set giggling this week when they found one of their pals was a little stingy at the supermarket. When asked to supply the feta for a smashed avo and feta snack, the worker went to the deli. While most would buy a whole rectangle block, or at least half a block, the worker asked for just a corner. Spending 24c on their colleagues, Bushie wonders if perhaps a pay rise is needed.

Unnecessary roughness

Finally, Bushie wants to highlight the footy career of 61-year-old Keith Rogers who plays in the Big Rivers Football League for Ngukurr. Bushie understands in a recent game Roger was targeted with some physical pressure. Bushie says let the man play, there are former footballers of all codes who wish they could be playing at his age.