Djarragun College welcomed families and the community for a day of art, food and celebration during their NAIDOC Week.
Djarragun College once again opened its gates to the wider community for its annual Arts and Hospitality Academy Day – Tribalmania – a highlight of this year’s NAIDOC celebrations. The event brought together students, families and community members to celebrate creativity, culture and connection.
Across the campus, students and visitors joined in hands-on activities, such as cupcake making, boomerang painting, face painting, clay sculpting, hair art, damper making, bead making, mask painting and even a photobooth.
The hospitality students showcased their skills by preparing delicious food, while the arts students transformed the college hub into a gallery filled with vibrant cultural works. Many of the artworks were snapped up by community organisations, visitors, staff and families.
For Dean of Academy of Creative & Performing Arts Noel Mason, the event is a representation of the students' hard work. “Today is actually a celebration of art and culture,” he explained. “It’s 12 months’ worth of work for each of the students and it ties in beautifully with our NAIDOC Week. This course and this day is a stepping stone – a pathway to further qualifications, whether that’s TAFE or university”
Year 11 student and artist Peter Levi proudly displayed his cultural pieces. “I just love painting,” he said, adding that his favourite works feature “traditional designs and cultural stories” from his home of Moa Island in the Torres Strait. When asked how it felt to have his artworks purchased, Peter smiled: “Happy, proud. I want to share my culture with everyone.”
For fellow student Sharntel Evans, who contributed five pieces to the exhibition, art is a way to express herself. “I like painting turtles,” she shared. “I’d love to be a Sea Ranger when I finish school.” Selling two of her works on the day gave her added confidence. Sharntel ‘s father Sean travelled from Borroloola in the Northern Territory to see her achievements. “Djarragun is a good school for her. Very different to back home,” he also reflected on how proud he was to see Sharntel growing “a bit more mature than before” each time she returns home for the holidays, where she spends her time with family, fishing and camping.
The celebrations ended on a high note with traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancing. Teachers, students and visitors joined in the final dances, rounding out a day filled with creativity and pride.
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