We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands across which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection – both physical and spiritual – to land, sea and sky.

Creative expression strengthening wellbeing and connection

 

Building on the success of Aboriginal youth wellbeing workshops highlighted in last year's Annual Review, Aboriginal students at Narooma High School participated in a two-day music and wellbeing program designed to strengthen mental health, cultural identity and connection through creative expression. 

Delivered in partnership with Katungul Aboriginal Corporation and proud Yuin and Thunghutti rapper Nooky, the workshops provided a culturally safe space for students to explore culture, creativity and wellbeing.

Program highlights:

15 students from Years 7 to 10 participated in the two-day program.

Wrote and recorded original songs inspired by local stories, culture and personal experiences.

Produced a music video showcasing their creativity, achievements and cultural pride.

Took part in wellbeing sessions focused on physical, emotional and spiritual health, preventative health care and local support services.

The program helped build confidence, strengthen peer connections and foster cultural pride. Staff at Narooma High School reported strong engagement throughout the project, including a noticeable improvement in student attendance, with students eager to participate each day.

The initiative highlights the power of culturally responsive, community-led approaches to supporting Aboriginal young people's wellbeing through creativity, culture and connection. 

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It was inspiring to see every student’s enthusiasm and genuine enjoyment as they got involved in each step of the process. The pride on their faces was unmistakable, and it was clear they felt valued and empowered by the creative experience… One of the most impressive outcomes was a noticeable improvement in school attendance during the project. Students looked forward to being at school each day, eager to be part of something new and exciting. There was a real buzz right across our school, with students, staff, and families all talking positively about the project and its impact.

Tracy Scobie

Narooma High School Executive Principal

I want to help kids to see what they can be, to show them there’s a few pathways they can take and to give them tools to go out and achieve their dreams.

Nooky

It was unreal to watch the project unfold. Nooky’s skills as a performer and artist paired with the kids’ energy worked perfectly. Everybody was able to contribute in their own way from lyric writing to musical talent through to motivating and inspiring confidence in each other… They really showed resilience and growth within the two days, and I am grateful I was able to experience it with them. We would love to see more of this style of youth engagement in the schools.

Tash Brunhuber

Katungul Aboriginal Corporation’s Community Programs team

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Stories through song

Over the past two years, Aboriginal students across South Eastern NSW have used music, storytelling and creative expression to explore wellbeing, culture and identity. 

The videos below showcase original songs and music videos created through the program at Narooma, Queanbeyan and Warilla High Schools, capturing the confidence, cultural pride and connections fostered along the way.