This October Girls from Oz participants from across Australia engaged in a cross-cultural and educational exchange to Sydney as part of the 2024 g-oz Travel Program.
Girls from Oz (g-oz) undertook its 21st Travel Program which saw 31 participants from Halls Creek and Bidyadanga in Western Australia and Lockhart River and Kowanyama in Queensland embark on a week-long visit to the heart of Sydney.
This year’s cohort enjoyed a dynamic program of high-quality performing arts education, mentoring activities, workshops and performances as well as the unique opportunity to perform on stage alongside the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) at the Sydney Opera House as part of the AGC Annual Concert.
‘We aim to spark imagination in these young women about what they might be when they grow up. In one week they are exposed to an incredible range of people and experiences that we hope will inspire them to remain engaged at school and strive to be successful. These opportunities aren’t available in their home towns and we know the lasting benefits of eye-opening experiences on this impressionable age group.’
– Nicole Muir AM, g-oz Chair
Highlights of the program included a campus visit to NIDA; a dance workshop with Bangarra Dance Theatre; a live interview on Koori Radio 93.7FM in Redfern, vocational experiences at Google Head Office in Pyrmont and Qantas Head Office in Mascot; and a visit to Admiralty House for a meet-and-greet with Her Excellency the Honourable Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC as well as former Governor-General and current g-oz Patron Dame Quentin Bryce CVO AD.
‘I like Girls from Oz because going on trips and performing has helped me build my confidence on stage and meet new people and go new places. g-oz has taught me to always enjoy the moment and shine bright and to keep smiling.‘
– Skye, 2024 g-oz Travel Program participant from Halls Creek District High School (WA)
The program’s itinerary strives to expand horizons in the performing arts and, most importantly, inspire and encourage participants to explore and consider future education and employment pathways on their journey to success.
‘I love dancing and singing and showing the world what I can do. g-oz has taught me new stuff. I learnt to be brave.’
– Alexia, 2024 g-oz Travel Program participant from Lockhart State School (QLD)
The end-of-week concert at the Sydney Opera House was a truly incredible moment with participants singing loud and proud on the iconic Opera House stage.
One of the Sydney AGC parents, Michelle, reflected: ‘I was at the matinee performance at the Opera House today and it was magnificent. I loved seeing and hearing the Girls from Oz- they were beautiful, please let them know it was not just their families cheering and clapping them on, but all the audience was.’
Performance highlights included Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colours’ as well as ‘I Go To Rio’ and ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ which were performed as part of a Peter Allen medley in the massed finale alongside Australian Girls Choir (AGC) choristers.
‘The roof nearly lifted off the Opera House when the g-oz Travel Program group sang ‘True Colours’ to a sold out audience of over 2,000 people. There is no doubt that this group is the most musically talented and confident performers we’ve travelled with and our hearts were bursting with pride. Kylie brought out the very best there is to see and hear in working with this group and they stepped up to every challenge she set.
Our wonderful Patron, Dame Quentin Bryce, was tearful and full of compliments when she heard the girls sing and the current Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AC can’t wait to see what’s next with g-oz. The girls captured many hearts at all performances throughout the busy week but there’s no question they gave the performance of their lives…’
– Nicole Muir AM, g-oz Chair
Participants were hosted by AGC choristers and their families who supported them throughout the week as they navigated new experiences alongside AGC choir rehearsals. Many participants have never been to a major city, and most AGC choristers have never been to a remote Australian community! Throughout the week both g-oz girls and their AGC host sisters experienced an invaluable exchange of cross-cultural education as stories were shared of one another’s life experiences, aspirations, culture an cultural identity.
‘I like g-oz because I can make more friends from different cultures.
My favourite part of the 2024 g-oz Travel Program has been seeing new things.’– Kailyn, 2024 g-oz Travel Program participant from Kowanyama State School (QLD)
The g-oz Travel Program cannot exist without the AGC families who so generously open up their homes to welcome and support participants, ensuring that they have the most memorable and joyful week possible. The g-oz team would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all AGC families who took part in this year’s program. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!
Why g-oz?
‘… because I can go places I never been before and it’s very fun. g-oz has taught me how to be confident and independent. My experience was so fun. I met a lot of kind people. I would go on this program again if I had the chance’
– Lynzeigh, La Grange Remote Community School (Bidyadanga)
‘…because they take different girls to different places and I love making new friends on the way. It’s a good experience. g-oz has taught me to be proud of myself and always shine in every concert. My favourite part of the 2024 g-oz Travel Program has been singing in the Opera House and going to famous Aboriginal places. It was very FUN! I would love to do it again, but I’m going to boarding school next year.’
– Briella, Lockhart State School (Lockhart River)
Since 2010, g-oz has now delivered 21 Travel Programs to over 300 girls living in remote Australia where participants have travelled to Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth to access high-quality performing arts opportunities intended to improve engagement in their schooling and employment outcomes.
The 21st Travel Program ran between October 28 to November 4 in Sydney, Australia.
You can read more about g-oz Travel Programs here.
