2025 Term 2 g-oz Community Program News

From the far north of Cape York to the heart of the Kimberley, we are so excited to share what we’ve been up to lately!

Halls Creek

Term 2 saw us start in Halls Creek for the delivery of our fourth Reverse Travel Program alongside our g-oz Community Program.

From May 19 – May 23, 12 selected Australian Girls Choir (AGC) members from across Australia travelled to Halls Creek on Jaru and Kija Country for a cross-cultural and educational exchange with g-oz participants from Halls Creek District High School.

The week offered a dynamic performing arts-focussed program for AGC and g-oz girls to engage in two-way learning, enriching their understanding of each other’s cultures and experiences.

Two AGC choristers reflect:

 “The time with the girls in Halls Creek will be an experience I’ll never forget…the girls left a permanent mark on my heart. They’ve truly reshaped how I see and value connection and community.” – Elyse (SA AGC)

 “My favourite moments [were] all the small conversations I would have with the girls about how performing makes them feel: confident, happy and free. Singing alongside the g-oz girls was a once in a lifetime experience and I will be forever thankful.” – April (NSW AGC)

Highlights included:

• Performing Peter Brandy’s ‘Kimberley Backroads’ in Jaru and Kija at the renowned Ord Valley Muster’s ‘Kimberley Moon Experience’ – on the same stage as Thelma Plum and Lime Cordiale!

• Singing live on Puranyanga-ranka Kerrum (PRK) Radio’s morning show in Halls Creek.

• A visit to the Halls Creek Yarliyil Arts Centre as led by local artist and arts worker, Nathan Stretch.

• Evening yarn with Jaru and Kija woman and former g-oz Board member Carolyn Polkinghorne around the fire at Caroline Pool – Wimirri in the local Jaru language – where she shared stories of her culture and family with the g-oz team and AGC girls.

Since 2019, we have delivered four Reverse Travel Programs – twice now in Halls Creek!

Click here to learn more about this program.

Bidayadanga

We had so much fun at La Grange Remote Community School this term, and we loved the enthusiasm and energy you all brought to the end-of-week assembly performance!

Returning Term 2 g-oz Instructor, Simone, reflects on the week:

“This was my fourth visit, and I continue to be amazed by the high levels of engagement the g-oz program generates.

A highlight this term was the assembly performance and the mentorship program we started this term. The students’ dedication and confidence in performing for the whole school were incredible, and watching them own the stage was truly powerful!

Beyond the performance, deepening our community connections was key, whether it was through afternoon sports, visiting the art classes, or other shared activities; these interactions were so valuable.”

Lockhart River

Lots of smiles and laughs again this term at Lockhart State School!

“I was so proud and impressed with the level of engagement and participation from the kids across all year levels at Lockhart State School – from day one everyone was singing, dancing, and using their big, confident voices! This only continued to grow throughout the week.” – Ainsley, g-oz Term 2 Instructor

We also continued learning nursery rhymes in language.

Term 1 saw g-oz join in Miss Angie’s class each day throughout the week to learn the song ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ in local language with her Kinder kids.

Term 1 g-oz Instructors with Miss Angie’s Kinder class. Miss Angie pictured far right.

A Kuuku Ya’u and Umpila woman, Miss Angie has been a long-term Education Assistant at Lockhart State School and plays an integral part in the Indigenous language revitalisation efforts on campus.

With Miss Angie’s permission, g-oz Instructors in Term 2 included this translated version of ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ into the program curriculum as an additional avenue for the preservation, revitalisation and celebration of Cape York’s Pama-Nyungan languages.

“One highlight for me during the week was [the Kindy class] teaching Grace, Kaitlin and I ‘Heads and Shoulders’ in Kuuku Ya’u language” – Ainsley, g-oz Term 2 Instructor

The Year 6 class also lead the song for the g-oz Instructors later in the week, proudly singing in Kuuku Ya’u and dancing around the classroom with g-oz!

Kowanyama

There was so much enthusiasm in the air this term at Kowanyama State School. We loved seeing you all confidently remember your dance moves and sing along with us each and every class – such an amazing effort! Well done!

Term 2 g-oz Instructor, Bonnie, reflects on the positive transformation of the participants that she has witnessed over the years:

“Over the past two years of visiting Kowanyama, I have seen a lot of growth in the girls [with] some of them naturally stepp[ing] into leadership roles in the classroom. They are singing with strength and pride.”

Term 3 Dates

• Lockhart State School: July 28 – August 1
• Kowanyama State School: August 4 – August 8
• Halls Creek District High School: August 25 – August 29
• La Grange Remote Community School: September 1 – September 5

We can’t wait to be back for Term 3 – see you soon!

Click here to learn more about g-oz Community Programs.

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