Welcome to the 46^th annual BEAT. The BEAT Festival embodies the enthusiasm, dedication and creativity of NT public schools and our students, teachers, admin staff and parents, along with the entire NT Department of Education. Special welcome to new and newly returning schools to the choir this year – Leanyer Primary School, Henbury School, Maningrida College, – as well as a new dance school – Durack Primary School and Humpty Doo Primary School. Special thanks to Gunbalanya School, Maningrida College and Casuarina Street Primary School who have made the long trip to Darwin to join us in presenting the BEAT - not to mention Belyuen School who will make a mad dash to the ferry after the show!

The Darwin BEAT, in its 46^th year, is the second of three major BEAT Festival events in the annual calendar. The 10^th Katherine BEAT has already been successfully staged this term, and the 15^th Alice BEAT is still to come in Term 4.

Thank you to everyone in the audience tonight for your vital support in valuing and celebrating the dedication, courage and creativity of all the participating students.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, the Northern Territory Government, for their support. Thanks also to AANT Centre for their ongoing partnership, and to

E3 Productions as sponsors, thank you.