Urban Quest NT: Do you have the talent to score a touchdown?

Young Northern Territory singers, rappers, groups and beatboxers who think they have what it takes to impress Mark Holden and Deni Hines should sign up for Urban Quest by 1 March.

By taking part in the Urban Quest competition you’ll not only share your talents with the Territory, but also help Mission Australia to develop accommodation for young Territorians who are homeless.

More than a quarter of the almost 5,000 Territorians who are homeless are aged between 12 and 18.

Mission Australia Operations Manager Brad McIver said Urban Quest will address an emerging problem in Darwin and Palmerston: “The majority of young homeless people are fending for themselves and sleep out in improvised dwellings or shack in with friends, acquaintances and really anywhere they can.

“Urban Quest will help generate funds to support the development of accommodation for them through event participation, public donation and finals concert tickets.”

Entrants also go in the running to win cash, studio recording time, mentoring and iPods. Entry costs $10 per contestant and $5 for each additional contestant.

Heats, which are open to young people aged 10 to 19, will be held on: 9 March at Darwin High School, Sanderson Middle School, Palmerston Library and Katherine High School at 3.30pm.

19 March at The Malak Theatre, Palmerston Library and Browns Mart Theatre at 2pm.
Successful acts form the heats will then join Mark Holden and radio host Amanda Pernechele at the semi- finals, to be held on 29 March at Casuarina Shopping Centre at 3.30pm.

Ten acts will then experience a workshop with Mark ahead of the big finals night at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on 2 April at 7pm. Deni Hines will perform on the night and also join Amanda and Mark in the judges’ box to choose the NT Urban Quest winner.

Registrations close 1 March. For more information or an entry form, call 8935 0900 or download a form here.

Applicants can send their completed forms to PO Box 2498 Palmerston 0831, email them to streeterk@missionaustralia.com.au (and pay entry in person at the heat) or delivered in person to Mission Australia @ Level 1, 6 Frances Drive, Palmerston.

Keep up to date with NT Urban Quest at missionaustralia.com.au or facebook.com/missionaust.