Facilitating cross-cultural learning
Each year during National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) Girls from Oz participants engage in a cross-cultural and educational exchange with peer-aged members of the Australian Girls Choir.
Similar to the Travel Program where g-oz participants visit an Australian capital city for a week of performing arts programming and the opportunity to perform alongside the Australian Girls Choir (AGC), the Reverse Travel Program sees selected AGC choristers from across Australia visit g-oz participants in their community for a week of two-way learning and connection, enriching their understanding of each other’s cultures and experiences.
As of 2024 Girls from Oz has delivered three Reverse Travel Programs:
- 2019: ‘Shining in the Kimberley’ in Halls Creek (WA)
- 2023: ‘Captivating Carnarvon’ in Carnarvon (WA)
- 2024: ‘Illuminating Lockhart’ in Lockhart River (QLD)
Due to COVID-19 restrictions g-oz Reverse Travel Programs were unable to be delivered during 2020-2022.
Connecting city to Kimberley and Cape
In 2019 Girls from Oz delivered its very first Reverse Travel Program in Halls Creek, the heart of the Kimberley. The program saw ten AGC members from five Australian capital cities travel to Halls Creek for a week of cultural learning, song and dance, including sleeping on Country at Purnululu. Story-telling was central to the experience with Halls Creek g-oz participants sharing personal insights and stories of their Country and culture with confidence and pride to their AGC sisters.
‘We need our young girls to be our leaders. To share their stories, to have a voice.’
– Carolyn McAdam, Jaru and Gidja woman and former g-oz Board member, Halls Creek, 2022
The Reverse Travel Program was run again in May 2023 when twelve AGC choristers from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney travelled to Carnarvon. AGC members and their Carnarvon host sisters enjoyed a week of sharing stories and experiences about each other’s lives, and dynamic program full to the brim of high-quality performing arts education, workshops and performances.
‘During the week, we had the privilege of spending some time on Yingarrda country with Aunty Rennee and her daughter Marhleigh-J. We learnt about Indigenous knowledge systems, herbal remedies, and were able to witness and participate in a ‘call to ancestors,’ in which we threw sand into the ocean and introduced ourselves to the spirits. We bonded around a campfire, witnessed the night sky through Aunty Rennee’s telescope, tried some of her kangaroo stew, sang with local artist Jannis and camped on country. Our week involved many of these meaningful moments.’
– Elin, AGC chorister on the ‘Captivating Carnarvon’ Reverse Travel Program, 2023
Most recently in 2024 the program was delivered in Lockhart River on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula. Twelve selected AGC choristers were invited on Country to engage in a week of cross-cultural learning, performing arts workshops, as well as social gatherings and opportunities to connect with the local community. The highlight of the trip included a community performance where Lockhart State School students and AGC members came together on stage to perform at Lockhart River Social Club to the wider Lockhart River community.
‘At choir practice we learnt some hymns with the Lockhart girls and sang ‘Old Lockhart’ for them and the Elders which was such a privilege and an experience I will never forget.’ – Jacinta, AGC chorister on the ‘Illuminating Lockhart’ Reverse Travel Program, 2024