Since the 1995 release of ‘My island home’, Christine Anu has been claiming national attention not just as a singer, but also as a dancer and actor on both the big and small screen. In 2000,  Christine’s international moment came during the Closing Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics, when she performed ‘My island home’ in front of millions.

Born in Cairns, Queensland and of Torres Island descent, Christine is an outspoken supporter of people with aboriginal and Torres Islander heritage.  At ultra106five, Scottie Haas interviewed Christine recently, and amongst other things he broached the subject of the significant aboriginal artifacts found at the construction zone of the Brighton Bypass.

Christine was quick to point out the importance of giving a fitting tribute to those who had once lived there. “I think it’s important to respect and acknowledge that if there is a sacred site, there really needs to be some kind of honouring . . . even if you put up a memorial saying ‘This area belonged to . . .’ Or just not go through there at all.” 

However most Tasmanians would argue we still need a Brighton Bypass – so how do we forge ahead as well as be culturally sensitive? Christine saw the importance of having a standard course of action for discoveries such as this. “There really needs to be some kind of a protocol that’s followed where aboriginal sites [are acknowledged], which are still going to be discovered . . . wherever development is going to happen in Australia.”

Waiting for your BIG moment
Development is happening in Christine’s professional life too. Having turned 40 this year she decided it was important to release a song as a record of where she is ‘now’. Also, it has been about five years since her last album came out, so it is about time! ‘Come home’ was released on September 26, and was written by Matthew Gerrard, whose songs have been recorded by Delta Goodrem and Kelly Clarkson, as well as for the smash hit High School Musical.

Reflecting on the lyrics of ‘Come home’ Christine says, “The sentiment of the song is about waiting for that special something. ” It’s the element of waiting for the return of something or someone long lost that gives this song its power. It’s a common thought for many of us as we wait – whether it is to hear about the new job, the return of an old friend, or even yearning for times past that may never return. Is the fire still burning/In the silence is heard/I’m waiting for you to come home, oh yeah/And I’m listening for sound/Got my ear to the ground/Standing in the unknown all alone.

Have a listen for ‘Come home’ on ultra106five, or check it out here. It’s a great one to ponder as you take on the challenge of waiting for your next big thing. As Christine said, “We don’t know when that moment is going arrive but it’s about knowing it’s there and calling for it.”