Personal Space: At home with singer Mitch Tambo

When First Nations’ singer Mitch Tambo sang You’re The Voice in his Gamilaraay language alongside John Farnham at Sydney’s Fire Fight fundraiser in February this year, it became a defining moment in the year that also put the brakes on his touring career.

But that didn’t stop Tambo, who lives in Melbourne’s west with his partner Lily and three stepdaughters, from getting his home studio sorted during lockdown, transforming a garage into a makeshift gymnasium and welcoming new pets. 

Tambo, who is also a judge at The Bella Management Unsigned Model Search as part of Melbourne Fashion Week 2020, says his decision to cover Vanessa Amorosi’s Absolutely Everybody for NAIDOC Week this year was made because the anthem ties in well with the model search campaign – where diversity and inclusion is celebrated. 

“It’s one of the biggest songs in our time, and to take that on and bring a different version to it is an honour,” Tambo says. 

Tambo says his home is a place where everyone feels comfortable to laugh, cry and have open conversations. “I have spent so much time at home this year that home has come to mean so much more to all of us,” he says. 

“I’ve got planter boxes for a veggie garden, a home studio where I can record and escape into, but the lounge is a communal place we can all come together and just do nothing; no pressure, just hang out.” 

Some of Mitch’s favourite things …

Coolamon

A coolamon is an Aboriginal container made of wood or bark used for holding liquids or goods, or carrying a baby. I use it to smoke sandalwood. It sits alongside my partner’s West Papuan headdress with a stone from my country area. These artefacts are important to our household because they connect to our culture and identities. 

Budgies

Our budgie just turned two. That is what happens when your kids beg you for a dog – you get a budgie. I am not an animal person, my Mum and Pop are next-level animal lovers, but it’s not my vibe. We have since bought a second budgie; he actually puts a smile on our face. The girls like to wrap him in blankets and take care of him like a baby.

Love neon light

My mum purchased this neon light for me after I released my single Love. I love that it reminds me we need to come together in love, embrace one another regardless of race, gender, sexuality and class and that we can create something beautiful for the next generation if we do just that. Love is also what I feel when I go out onto country.

Firepit 

Fire is always on at our place. Where I’m from, it’s a direct way to connect with our creator. You get a lot of answers from a fire – you find peace, it’s where we heal, and I love getting lost in the dance of a fire. My daughters love making campfire S’Mores – an American thing – where you toast marshmallows and put them in between some crackers and chocolate.

Home gym 

We turned our garage into a home gym during Melbourne’s lockdown. I acquired everything from Marketplace and installed a surround system as well. It’s been a lifeline in terms of mental health and wellbeing for our kids, and a positive thing to do for the family.

PlayStation

The last time I played a console was as a kid, but during lockdown I’ve been using it a lot more.  We’ve had this for a few years at home; I purchased it from Marketplace and use it as a place to catch up with friends and play with nieces and nephews. 

Feral cats

We have unofficially adopted a few feral cats since moving into our new home in Melbourne. I assumed they belonged to a neighbour but when I checked, they told me, no they weren’t theirs. Smokey and Cookie are now part of the family.