Latest news with #ArnhemLand
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
Croc wrangler Matt Wright pleads not guilty
Andy Park: Celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. It comes more than three years after a chopper crash in remote Arnhem Land in the NT, which killed Mr. Wright's close friend and television co-star Chris Willow Wilson. ABC reporter Samantha Dick is there in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. She joined me earlier. Samantha, what is the background to this case? Samantha Dick: Hi Andy. Well, Matt Wright is the star and host of popular Netflix series Wild Croc Territory and TV show Outback Wrangler, where he offers a glimpse into the world of crocodile wrangling in the Outback Northern Territory. Three years ago, that all changed when a crocodile egg collecting mission went horribly wrong. A helicopter carrying Mr. Wright's co-host and friend Chris Willow Wilson crashed in a remote part of Arnhem Land, about 500 kilometres from Darwin, killing Mr. Wilson and seriously injuring pilot Sebastian Robinson. The tragic incident, it shocked the Northern Territory and devastated Mr. Wilson's wife and two young kids, but it's really what came next that is the focus of this Supreme Court trial. Matt Wright is facing three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice over his alleged behaviour in the aftermath of Mr. Wilson's death. Details of the exact allegations won't be revealed until later in the week in Corsh, but attempting to pervert the course of justice, it's a serious criminal offence and it can include things like influencing witnesses or providing false information to authorities. It also carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Andy Park: And what's the court heard today? Samantha Dick: Well, today, for the first time in months, Matt Wright attended court in person. So, we were waiting outside the Supreme Court of the NT up here in Darwin with a bunch of other journalists from around Australia. Matt Wright appeared, he entered the court, he was flanked by his wife and his lawyers. In court this morning, Mr. Wright was given the opportunity to formally enter a plea. He pleaded not guilty to all three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. This is not really surprising because Mr. Wright has previously denied any wrongdoing, but today really was the first opportunity for him to formally enter his pleas of not guilty. The trial is expected to run for at least three weeks. At the moment in court, lawyers are just having some further legal argument, ironing out a few things before court resumes this afternoon. Andy Park: What's expected in this case as we see it play out in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory? Samantha Dick: The case is really going to get going later on in the week. So, on Wednesday, a jury is due to be empanelled. And on Thursday, we're going to start hearing some evidence. So, that's when we'll be hearing a lot more information about the actual details of the case, and we'll be hearing from witnesses in the courtroom. Andy Park: In the Northern Territory, reporter Samantha Dick.
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
Celebrity croc wrangler pleads not guilty to charges
Celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty in the Northern Territory Supreme Court to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. It comes more than three years after a chopper crash in remote Arnhem Land in the NT, which killed Mr Wright's close friend and television co-star Chris "Willow" Wilson in February 2022.
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
The trial of celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright starts this week. Here's what we know
Three years ago, a helicopter carrying television personality Chris "Willow" Wilson and pilot Sebastian Robinson crashed in remote Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Mr Wilson, 34, was killed, leaving behind his wife, Danielle Wilson, and their two young children. Mr Robinson, who was 28 at the time, survived, but suffered permanent injuries. This week, the criminal trial of the victim's close friend and Outback Wrangler co-star, Matthew Wright, begins in the NT Supreme Court in Darwin. Mr Wright is facing three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice, in relation to the aftermath of the accident. The charges carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Mr Wright first rose to stardom on National Geographic's Outback Wrangler — a TV program delving into the wild world of crocodile wrangling in the NT and giving a glimpse into Mr Wright's family life. A second program starring Mr Wright, Wild Croc Territory, aired on Netflix in 2022. The show was pulled from the platform following Mr Wilson's death. The 45-year-old father-of-two is also behind NT adventure tourism company Wild Territory, which offers helicopter rides, airboat tours and accommodation. The helicopter accident occurred on February 28, 2022, during a crocodile egg-collecting mission on the King River, west of Maningrida, in an isolated part of the Top End. Crocodile egg collecting involves a helicopter able to carry a crew member, or "sling person", who is lowered from the chopper via a long line to access crocodile nests. The three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice that Mr Wright is facing relate to events which allegedly occurred in the aftermath of the accident. Details about what the allegations include will not be revealed until later in the week, when the prosecution and the defence give their opening arguments before a jury. Mr Wright has previously denied any wrongdoing. No, Mr Wright has never formally entered a plea. This will happen on Monday when Mr Wright is arraigned — a court proceeding where an accused person has their charges read to them and is asked how they want to plea. They can respond "guilty" or "not guilty". The trial is expected to run for at least three weeks, but it won't start straight away. Mr Wright's legal team and the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have requested a few days for legal argument before a jury is selected on Wednesday. The jury empanelment process can take a long time, so it's unlikely that any evidence will be heard until Thursday. Representing the DPP will be Melbourne silk Jason Gullaci SC. He has indicated that Mr Robinson is likely to be one of the first witnesses to give evidence at the trial. During a pre-trial hearing, Mr Gullaci said the Crown intended to call two witnesses to "set the scene" before Mr Robinson would be called. Mr Wright is being represented by prominent South Australian barrister David Edwardson KC and Luke Officer. The trial will be heard before Acting Justice Alan Blow. Mr Wilson's wife and parents have been granted permission to listen to the court proceedings from outside the courtroom via an audio-visual link. During a hearing earlier this month, Mr Gullaci told the judge Ms Wilson was invested in the proceedings but, due to delays in the trial getting underway, may not be able to attend court in person for the full three weeks.
SBS Australia
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
NITV and SBS to celebrate the significance and spectacle of the 25th Garma Festival
Comprehensive coverage across the network will connect all Australians with the culture, ceremony, and critical conversations from the landmark event. *WATCH PROMO HERE* As the Garma Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year from 1-4 August, NITV and SBS will deliver comprehensive, multiplatform, and multilingual coverage across the four-day event, giving all Australians a front row seat for all the agenda-setting conversations and an iconic celebration of Yolŋu culture. Taking place in Gulkula, northeast Arnhem Land, the Garma Festival is one of Australia's largest Indigenous gatherings and most significant Indigenous affairs forum. Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, the event brings together political leaders, policy makers, corporate leaders, and community representatives. It provides a globally recognised platform for debate about issues affecting First Nations people, while also celebrating the culture, ceremony, visual art, dance, music, and storytelling of the Yolŋu people. In 2025, NITV returns to Gulkula as Media Supporter for the tenth year, to provide its unique First Nations focussed coverage of the festival. Together with SBS, it will be sharing all the key forums, major announcements, and highlights like the Opening Ceremony and the daily buŋgul (traditional dance), with a national audience across the network. The event will also be shared with global audiences through the World Indigenous Broadcasting Network. 'Each year, the Yolŋu people open their arms and their hearts to more than 2,500 people at Gulkula, and we're honoured to extend that invitation to all Australians through our coverage of this significant event,' said Tanya Denning-Orman, SBS Director of First Nations. 'This year we will deliver more of the key moments and ceremonial spectacle of the Garma Festival across our platforms than ever before, as we continue to grow and expand our coverage across the entire SBS network, led by NITV as the official Media Supporter. We will ensure you don't miss a moment and are proud to be delivering unparalleled access for every Australian, and around the world. 'This 25-year milestone for the Garma Festival is also an opportunity to reflect on the event's significance, legacy, and impact. We'll also highlight this history and celebrate the many achievements of Yolŋu leaders and the strengths of the region.' Natalie Ahmat and John Paul Janke will present coverage at the 2025 Garma Festival Daily live coverage, updates, and highlights – including a two-hour live special on Sunday 3 August from 10am – will be presented by NITV's Indigenous News and Current Affairs team including Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat; SBS National Indigenous Affairs Editor and host of The Point, John Paul Janke; NITV News Presenter and Senior Producer, Michael Rennie; and more. In addition to NITV and SBS's live simulcast of key events, SBS News will report from Garma, providing updates on SBS World News and its platforms, with Chief Political Correspondent, Anna Henderson, on the ground. SBS will also provide unique multilingual coverage with representatives from SBS's Chinese and Arabic teams also reporting from Gulkula, with news and insights to feature across the SBS Audio network in more than 60 languages, in addition to NITV Radio. NITV Muy Ngulayg on SBS On Demand will be the home for all Garma Festival content, with audiences able to tune into live streams, as well as catch up on all the forums and speeches, buŋgul, and NITV News' programs. The network's comprehensive coverage includes*: NITV News: Nula 3-3.30pm, Friday 1 August Simulcast live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Join Natalie Ahmat and the NITV News team for a special edition of Nula , broadcast live from the 25th Garma Festival at Gulkula, in northeast Arnhem Land. Nula will provide a preview of events and insights into the issues and ideas to be discussed across the following days of the festival, with interviews, explainers, profiles, and stories from the local region. Garma Opening Ceremony 4-5.30pm, Friday 1 August Simulcast live on NITV, SBS, SBS On Demand Join hosts Natalie Ahmat and John Paul Janke for the official opening ceremony launching a special 25th anniversary Garma Festival, rich in spirit, truth-telling, and the unbreakable connection to land and culture. The ceremony brings together Yolŋu leaders, community members, and special guests to mark this milestone moment. This year's Garma theme, 'Law of the Land: Standing Firm', reflects the strength, resilience, and cultural authority of the Yolŋu people. The opening ceremony features heartfelt speeches and reflections, followed by a vibrant buŋgul, where miny'tji (art), manikay (song), dance, and story come together in a moving expression of identity and law. It's also an important gathering for clans and families from across the region. Garma Buŋgul 9-10am, Saturday 2 August, Sunday 3 August, and Monday 4 August Simulcast on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Set against the breathtaking backdrop of northeast Arnhem Land, this daily program captures the spirit of Yolŋu ceremony through miny'tji (art), manikay (song), dance and storytelling, which takes place as the sun sets at the festival each afternoon. The buŋgul is a powerful cultural expression, where ancient knowledge, deep connection to Country, and ancestral stories are shared through rhythm, movement, and song. Filmed on Yolŋu Country with cultural authority, this program offers audiences a rare and respectful window into the world's oldest living culture. Each episode takes viewers on a journey, showcasing the rich traditions of Yolŋu clans as they share ceremonial dances passed down through generations. NITV's special daily program explores the cultural meaning behind each buŋgul, offering insight into the songlines, law, and kinship systems that shape Yolŋu life. Garma Forums 10am-12pm and 1.30-3.30pm, Saturday 2 August Simulcast live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Join hosts Natalie Ahmat, John Paul Janke, and Michael Rennie for NITV's live coverage of the Garma Festival forums, broadcasting from the Garrtjambal Auditorium in Gulkula. The forums are a powerful platform where First Nations voices take centre stage, bringing together community leaders, Elders, academics, politicians, and young people for deep and thought-provoking conversations about the future of this nation. NITV brings viewers the most important speeches and panels, capturing powerful moments from Yolŋu leaders, the Yothu Yindi Foundation, and national figures including the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP. With expert commentary and cultural insight, NITV's Garma Forums coverage invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage with the issues that matter most to First Nations communities. Garma 2025: 25 Years Strong 10am-12pm, Sunday 3 August Simulcast live on NITV. SBS and SBS On DemandJoin hosts Natalie Ahmat and John Paul Janke for a special two-hour program celebrating 25 years of the Garma Festival. This commemorative broadcast will take audiences on a powerful journey through the heart of Yolŋu Country, showcasing the vibrancy, resilience, and legacy of the festival. Blending panel discussions with unforgettable live performances and the best of the buŋgul, the program will reflect on Garma's extraordinary history and its role in shaping the national conversation on culture, identity, and self-determination. Featuring trailblazers, artists, community leaders, and special guests, the broadcast will honour those who laid the foundations of Garma and continue to carry its spirit forward. The Best of Garma 2025 6pm, Monday 4 August Simulcast on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Hosted by Natalie Ahmat, this 30-minute recap program of highlights from Garma Festival will include all the key moments from four-days of celebration and reflection. For a pdf copy of this media release, click here.
News.com.au
22-07-2025
- News.com.au
Reality TV star Matt Wright's trial dates locked in after Chris Wilson's death
Trial dates have finally been set for a Northern Territory reality TV star who is facing charges following the death of his mate. Matt Wright, also known as the Outback Wrangler, faces three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice following a helicopter crash in February 2022 that killed his friend and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson. The trial is set to begin in the Northern Territory with the selection of the jury on July 30. Mr Wright was the host of Outback Wrangler, a reality series that saw him tracking down Australian wildlife in rural Australia. He also hosted the Netflix show Wild Croc Territory in 2022. Mr Wilson is alleged to have been suspended from the chopper on a crocodile egg collecting mission over the King River in Arnhem Land, when the helicopter crashed into the paperbark swamp, killing the 34-year-old father and critically injuring his 28-year-old pilot, Sebastian Robinson. It has been alleged Mr Wright was not properly following the maintenance rules for his helicopters, and attempted to cover this up in the wake of the crash. Mr Wright has strenuously denied all wrongdoing. The trial's start date has faced many delays, most recently in mid-June when Justice Alan Blow accepted Mr Wright's defence barrister Luke Officer's request to push the July 7 start date back to July 28, resulting in the departure of Crown prosecutor James Moore from the case due to a double booking. During a pre-trial hearing in Darwin Supreme Court on Tuesday, it was revealed neither the defence nor the prosecution were prepared for that date. 'Both of us agree that we are simply not ready to start on Monday,' defence barrister David Edwardson KC said. Crown prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC endorsed the delay, leading Justice Blow to set a new start date for Wednesday, July 30. The court was told there would be a pre-trial hearing on Monday, then the jury would be selected on Wednesday, with opening arguments beginning on Thursday. Mr Gullaci indicated one witness would be Mr Robinson, who was also seriously injured in the crash and allegedly involved in the cover-up. 'I think it is likely there will be at least one or two witnesses that will, to use the phrase 'set the scene', before we call upon (Mr Robinson),' he said.
