Embracing the Dreamtime, a school holiday program presented by 2Rivers in Tamworth, engaged dozens of Aboriginal youth in the region to express their creativity and culture through storytelling, dance, drama and music. Four creative workshops, each five-days long and led by inspiring Aboriginal mentors, gave the young participants the chance to connect deeply with the stories of ancestors and cultural practices handed down through generations. Over the weeks, confidence grew and cultural pride soared, while the magic of dance, music and story-telling uncovered their hidden creative talents.
Brolga Dance educators at the 2 Rivers Embracing the Dreamtime workshop in Tamworth. Back row: David Clarke, Amy Johnson, Wirrindah Whiton, Norman Shillingsworth. Front row: Jodie Welsh and Majeda Beatty.
Funded through the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program – an initiative of the Office of Regional Youth in partnership with Create NSW – 2Rivers offered young people free, immersive experiences, which were much more than just a fun activity during the holidays. Youth came from a wide geographical area, some travelling as far as Port Macquarie and Gunnedah, and came away with new friends, an appreciation for the arts and a deeper understanding of their own cultural identity.
With guidance from some of the most inspiring cultural leaders around, including musicians Buddy Knox and Nate Weatherall, songwriter, performer and author Nardi Simpson, and Jodie Welsh from Brolga Dance Academy, the programs helped young people explore what it means to be their best selves.
Lorrayne Fishenden, 2Rivers Managing Director, witnessed the transformations among participants, energised by meeting new friends and amazing creatives, or by the huge lift in self-confidence and cultural pride.
“The workshops were really engaging and powerful, and the impacts will be long-lasting for many kids. Some will now seriously consider a career in the creative and performing arts, while others were inspired by the stories and dances they learned and the connections they made.”
“The workshops nurtured individual talents and interests, while introducing participants to ancestral stories and cultural artforms so they can express their authentic selves.”
“It was amazing to see the kids really engage and discover the different creative pathways that are available to them.”
“Our young Aboriginal people can face challenges such as access to resources, educational opportunities, and lost connection with cultural heritage.”
“Creative workshops offer a culturally-safe space for exploration, empowerment, and healing, contributing to overall wellbeing and resilience.
“Art and cultural programs like this act as the catalyst for change. They provide avenues for self-expression, positive identity formation, and community cohesion.”
“We hoped the program could help address social issues too, fostering resilience and healing through creative and cultural expression. We wanted to see kids experiencing personal and collective transformation, bridging gaps in access to the arts.”
“It was amazing to see the kids really engage and discover the different creative pathways that are available to them.”
~ Lorrayne Fishenden, 2Rivers
Music Workshops led by Nate Weatherall and Buddy Knox focused on songwriting and beat-making, giving young people hands-on recording studio experience with audio production software. Participants had the opportunity to write original music and fully produce their own tracks from start to finish. The intensive experience introduced them to all aspects of the writing and production process, allowing them the freedom to experiment in a creative, nurturing environment. By the end of the five days, they had developed some advanced skills and could share their music with family and friends.
A 12-year old workshop participant showed enormous potential as a beat-maker and now has a new life ambition, surprising his family who had never seen this creative talent and had limited technology and internet access at home.
Another 14-year participant, attended all four workshops and really came out of her shell, revealing great talent as a dancer and songwriter. When asked what she would have been doing if not at the program she told organisers she would have spent the week at home, “on my phone watching TikTok or on Snapchat”.
Yuwaalaraay writer, musician and performer Nardi Simpson led storytelling workshops for a small group of young people, which introduced new approaches to imaginative thinking. Activities encouraged participants to think differently and develop their writing skills, including descriptive storytelling techniques.
The workshops provided not only cultural enrichment but also personal growth and educational benefits. The creative teams adapted to the group’s diverse learning and social needs, supporting both the very shy and those needing different learning styles and behavioural strategies.
The theatre workshops offered participants opportunities for free creative expression and collaboration while the popular Brolga Dance Academy program introduced participants to traditional and contemporary dance forms, culminating in a community performance where young dancers showcased everything they had learned.
Jodie Choolburra-Welsh, Founder/Artistic Director of Brolga Dance Academy, along with her team of facilitators (pictured above), taught both contemporary and traditional dances, including a Torres Strait Islander dance. The participants also learned how to create their own dances as a team.
“It’s the most rewarding feeling. Seeing our young ones so immersed in their culture, eager to learn and willing to try new dance styles.”
~ Jodie Welsh, Brolga Dance Academy
“The practice of dance sustains communities, nurtures relationships, and provides expressive cultural interpretation,” explained Welsh.
“The life lessons brought about in First Nations storytelling are essential for our young people to make sense of the world and their place in it. It teaches values, history, significant events and sites, cultural beliefs and practices, healing, and sacred stories.”
The skill improvement over the five days was matched by the visible personal growth as the young dancers began to connect movement and identity, to bring their own style and take ownership of the storytelling.
“It was beautiful to see individuals gain the confidence to be themselves and shine.”
“At the start, they are all shy, reluctant to answer questions, sinking in their shoulders. Then after a day or two, they came out of their shells, answering questions, volunteering to lead demonstrations and wanting to be in the front row for the performance.”
“It’s the most rewarding feeling,” Welsh said. “Seeing our young ones so immersed in their culture, eager to learn and willing to try new dance styles.”
“It was amazing watching them walking into the space in the morning with so much pride.”
There were other connections too: connections to culture and their own identity, to the dance facilitators who they call ‘Aunty’ and ‘Uncle’, to the stories, to each other and the community including the local Elders.
At the end of the week, the dancers put on a performance for the community, with local Elders invited to be audience members.
“The pride, joy and tears in our Elders’ eyes watching our young ones continue our culture and connect with so much pride and respect was priceless.”
This project was supported through the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program. Learn more about the 2023/24 Create NSW Holiday Break Program
