Lockhart River and Kowanyama girls will step on the Sydney Opera House stage once again as part of the 22nd Girls from Oz travel program. Photo: Supplied.
A performing arts program helping young First Nations girls follow their dreams is about to kickstart its 22nd event later this month.
Six Lockhart River and nine Kowanyama students will take on Sydney from 24 November – 1 December as part of the Girls from Oz (G-oz).
After a series of workshops, mentoring activities and smaller performances, the girls will perform on the iconic Sydney Opera House stage.
G-oz general manager Kylie Lee-Archer said although activities were centred on the performing arts, the program was more about giving the girls opportunities to see themselves represented in big cities, especially as many prepare to go away to boarding school.
“It’s about being prepared to take a leap of faith and step outside your comfort zone,” she said.
“It’s really encouraging to know we’re a small part of their development and the opportunities they’ve had.
“Like with every young person in Australia, we want them to have opportunities that empower them and give them the chance to make choices about how they want to participate in life.”
The 15 Cape York girls, along with 15 others from Halls Creek and Bidyadanga, were selected based on school attendance, participation and enthusiasm for singing and dancing during the G-oz community school visits.
At the term 4 Lockhart River visit late last month, Ms Lee-Archer caught up with several alumni now working in their community to support the next generation.
One alumna, Mawella Warradoo, currently works in youth services at Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council.
“She was running afterschool activities as part of the kids club … it was so cool to see Mawella working in that context,” Ms Lee-Archer said.
“She’s an incredibly intelligent young woman; she went away to school for a while and now she’s back in community contributing, which is great.”
Oz patron and supporter Dame Quentin Bryce speaks with Mawella Warradoo when the now youth services worker at Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council participated in the program 10 years ago. Photo: Supplied.
