Melbourne Storm player Josh Addo-Carr has joined the list of speakers at Parrtjima – A Festival in Light.

Addo-Carr, from the Gunggandji, Birrbay and Wiradjuri people of New South Wales, is a fascinating addition to the talks program in the Red Centre.

He will join Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts to delve into his sporting career, and the expectations and challenges he has faced, and continues to face after signing a four-year deal that will see him move to the Canterbury Bulldogs from 2022.

Those challenges include ending up in a police cell in 2012.

Addo-Carr comes from a sporting family – his grandfather was legendary boxer Wally Carr, who was inducted into the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010 and passed away in 2019.

The sporting hero will bring the Telstra NRL Premiership Trophy with him to Alice Springs, and join other big names on the Parrtjima talks program, including author Bruce Pascoe, Professor Marcia Langton and singer-songwriter Ziggy Ramo.

Parrtjima is supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company and produced by Creative Directors AGB Events.

The theme for this year’s event is Future Kultcha, which focuses on intergenerational wisdom told through light, interactive workshops, art, music, films and the spoken word.

Parrtjima runs from 9-18 April 2021 at Alice Springs Desert Park, Todd Mall and Araluen Arts Centre. Register for free at www.parrtjima.com.au

 Quotes from Major Events Minister Natasha Fyles

“The Territory Labor Government is proud to support Parrtjima as a world-class event and drawcard to the Red Centre.

“Josh Addo-Carr is an NRL legend who will make a strong contribution as part of the line up of speakers at Parrtjima.

Quotes from Josh Addo-Carr:

“I’ve seen images of Parrtjima and it looks amazing. I’m stoked to be involved this year and look forward to sharing my story with people.

“I feel really privileged to be part of an event that celebrates Aboriginal culture in such a unique way.”