Territory State of Mind - Shannon Motlop
Territory State of Mind is a space for quiet conversations with people shaped by the North.
People who’ve chosen to stay.
Who listen more than they speak.
Who let the land do some of the talking.
In this piece, we sit down with Shannon to talk about place, pace, and what it really means to live and work in the Territory. Not answers for the outside world — just an honest reflection from someone grounded here.
This is Territory State of Mind.
Territory State of Mind — Shannon
Where were you born and can you tell us about your family?
I was born in Darwin. My grandfather was from Thursday Island and my grandmother was Larrakia. On my mum’s side, the family comes from Wyndham in Western Australia.
How has living here changed you?
I’ve grown up here with a pretty unique lifestyle. Sport, family, and the bush have shaped who I am, but so have the people around me — friends and family.
What does the Territory give you that other places don’t?
The outdoor lifestyle. Whenever I’ve lived elsewhere in Australia, that’s what I’ve missed the most.
Where do you feel most grounded up here?
Out in the bush, especially around sunset.
How does the land influence the way you think or work?
I feel deeply connected to this place. I honestly couldn’t live without it.
What’s a normal day like for you?
I try to spend as much time out bush as I can — my work allows that. I like having my family with me too, the kids love it. Outside of that, footy is a big part of my life and I try to stay involved.
What’s something people misunderstand about the Territory?
People think you can’t swim anywhere. There aren’t crocs everywhere — locals generally understand where you can and can’t swim.
What’s been the hardest part of living here?
Some days, the humidity can be tough.
What keeps you going?
Just the love of what I’m doing.
What does “community” mean to you?
Being involved. Community is a really important part of life — giving back matters. What goes around comes around. It’s important my kids see me involved, so they understand they have a role to give back too.
How do you show respect to Country?
I don’t leave a mess when I’m out hunting, I clean up after myself, and I only take what I need. Sustainability is always on my mind, especially now that I’m doing things commercially.
When do you feel most yourself?
Out bush and playing sport.
What does success look like for you now?
I don’t really have a set target. I’m happy with life as it is. As long as I’m having fun, that’s what matters.
Finish this sentence: The Territory has taught me…
You don’t have to spend money to have a good time.
