Ian McNamara AM, commonly known as “Macca”, is an Australian radio presenter, singer-songwriter and producer, best known for hosting the Australian Broadcasting Corporation‘s long running radio program Australia All Over on the ABC Local Radionetwork. (Source Wikipedia)

Recently, Mr McNamarra broadcast from Raintree Park in Darwin’s CBD. I did not know he was in Darwin until I switched the radio on just as his program finished at 10.00 am.

But I was promoted to send the following SMS.

God bless Macca and the messages of goodness and uplift he brings to his live and radio audiences.

I did not realise he was in Darwin.

I do remember when he visited to farewell the 5/7 RAR force off to Timor Leste in September 1999.

That was 25 years ago and sadly, the troops had left the night before. That was also the night the authorities started demolishing the iconic old Darwin Hotel, Green Room and all.

Macca’s program took place at Stokes Hill Wharf and he was welcomed by Leanyer Primary School students. It was a significant morning and one I will always remember. School student council President Ellin Lede now Dr Ellin Lede heading up a significant commercial enterprise in Darwin, read a brilliant piece she had written about the transformative nature of positive goodness and its powerful impact.

So, memories of times long ago.

Henry Gray