The frontman of famed Australian pub band the Painters & Dockers Paulie Stewart will speak in Darwin this month, sharing stories from his memoir, tracing his journey from the murder of his brother Tony Stewart, one of the Balibo Five, to a lifetime of music and advocacy.

Stewart was a founding member, songwriter, and lead singer of the Melbourne pub band Painters & Dockers, which was former in 1982, but also spent much of his life campaigning on behalf of the people of Timor Leste.

The band released seven albums and performed more than 1500 live shows throughout Australia, New Zealand and North America, and was inducted into the Age Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

It is known for the songs Nude School, Die Yuppie Die, and You’re Going Home in the Back of a Divvy Van.

Stewart was also a founding member of East Timorese/Australian band The Dili Allstars, which was awarded a 2009 ARIA award for Best Soundtrack (Balibo).

When he was 15-years-old, his sound recordist brother Tony Stewart, 21, was one of five members of the media who were murdered in Balibo in Timor Leste in 1975 by the Indonesian military during incursions before Indonesia’s invasion of the country. Those victims became known as the Balibo Five.

Paulie Stewart was also awarded an OAM, worked as a music journalist with the Melbourne Herald Sun for 30 years, and is the author of the 2022 book All The Rage.

He will give his talk at the Casuarina Library on September 18, in a conversation facilitated by NT News journalist Darcy Fitzgerald.

“In this energetic and heartfelt talk, Paulie will share stories from his tell-all memoir, tracing his journey from the death of his brother Tony Stewart (one of the Balibo Five) to a lifetime of music and advocacy,” the event promotional statement says.

“With decades of punk rock chaos, international touring and humanitarian work including supporting East Timorese independence and mentoring young people at risk Paulie brings laughter, grit and soul to every story.

“Expect tales featuring icons like Keith Richards, the Wiggles, Yothu Yindi and Midnight Oil, plus reflections on his journalism career and deep connections to First Nations communities.”

It is a free event but bookings are essential. Visit the Darwin Council website to book.