Kowanyama and Lockhart River girls prepare for the performance of their life as they explore future job possibilities during their Girls from Oz exchange to Sydney. Photo: Supplied.
Young girls from Kowanyama and Lockhart River say they are learning to be brave as they experience life as a performer in Sydney.
As part of the 21st Girls from Oz (G-oz) travel program, girls from the two remote Cape York communities spent the past week learning, practicing and experiencing as they prepared for a performance with the Australian Girls Choir at the Sydney Opera House.
Eleven-year-old Rotana Grainer from Kowanyama said she found her first experience in the big city both overwhelming and exciting.
“It’s a bit scary being away from family,” she said.
“I’m enjoying meeting new friends.
“I’m learning to be brave, like introducing myself to new people and trying new things.”
G-oz general manager Kylie Lee-Archer said the travel program was designed to help girls like Rotana challenge themselves, and open their eyes to future possibilities.
“I think the performing is about stepping outside of your comfort zone and working as part of a team,” she said.
“I guess that’s an interesting part of the program, is that we’ve got the girls from Lockhart River who all know each other, and the girls from Kowanyama all know each other, but they don’t know one another and need to build that team quite fast.”
Throughout the week, the girls participated in workshops at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and Bangarra Dance Theatre, did a radio interview, and toured Google and Qantas headquarters, as they prepared to sing their hearts out on the iconic Australian stage.
“We really try to make sure that they feel optimistic and like they can do it, so they perform throughout the week and we build them up to it,” Ms Lee-Archer said.
“It’s not that different when you’re singing for 20 people in a room at Google, or when you’re singing for students in a room at NIDA.
“It’s the same activity when you’re standing on stage at the Sydney Opera House; of course, it’s a bit more daunting, but I think they’re feeling that success build and their confidence is growing, which is great.”
