SPUN returns to the Library

Black and white photo of a protest led by a motor vehicle and followed by a group of people in 1918

SPUN: True Stories Told in the Territory returns to the Library on Friday 30 November to delve into stories of Rebellion. 

The live story telling event that showcases extraordinary people and their stories will explore a theme that falls on the 100th anniversary of the Darwin Rebellion. 

The Darwin Rebellion occurred on 17 December 1918 and was the culmination of unrest between the workers union and the Administration of the time. There was a protest march, an effigy that was later burned, impassioned speeches on beer boxes and demands for resignations. Many an historian has been taken by the personal accounts and stories that surround this event.

Patrick Gregory, Director of the Northern Territory Library, says “Having SPUN return to the Library is a wonderful chance to bring together Territory stories from the past and the present. The Library is full of amazing historical tales, in our extensive collections and in our new exhibition, and hosting SPUN is a great way of making the links between our shared past and what it means to live in the Territory today.” 

Doors to the event open at 5:30pm and guests are invited to wander through the Library’s new exhibition A Territory Story to explore stories from our collections. 

Tickets will be on sale from Friday 19 October for $32.50 and can be purchased online. 

Photo credit: Protest March. Demonstrators are led by a car containing an effigy of Dr Gilruth which was later burnt, in protest against the administration of Dr Gilruth. The building on the left corner is the Don Picture Theatre next to Abbott House (now the ABC on the corner of Cavenagh and Bennett streets). Northern Territory Library, Rodgers Collection, PH0329/0015