Back Roads: Feb 13

Paralympian Kurt Fearnley joins Back Roads for a visit to Tennant Creek.

The Northern Territory town was the site of Australia’s last gold rush back in the 1930s but has had a hard time in the aftermath, often copping the tag of the ‘dark heart’ of the Barkly region with youth crime and alcohol abuse making headlines.

But what Kurt discovers is how the community is doing its utmost to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma, through education, art and religion.

Kurt is impressed with the non-judgemental care and support, given to vulnerable kids to keep them safe. He’s amazed to discover an informal group of artists, known as the Tennant Creek Brio, who are taking the international art world by storm. He discovers the town has long been a broad church that embraces all faiths and offers hope and respite to troubled souls.

It’s a journey that leaves Kurt in awe and in no doubt, Tennant Creek has a very bright future indeed.

8pm Monday on ABC.