NAIDOC’s ‘For our Elders’ celebrated by our children

Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh celebrated For Our Elders last week with a huge celebration of culture in their 2023 NAIDOC community concert.

“It was the youngest generation who provided the energy and entertainment,” Head of Campus Rick Cass said.

“Expertly MC’d by Fred Peters, every child in the school performed dances taught to them by Language and Culture teacher Richard Matthew.

“Among many highlights, the Prep students performed a dance lead by the legendary Elma Kris (pictured bottom right below) of Bangarra Dance Company fame, who works as a Teacher Aide at WBNM.”

Mr Cass commended the NAIDOC committee who produced what many have said was their best NAIDOC program in memory, building upon successful programs over the past three years.

“I’m so proud of everyone,” he said.

“The whole staff rallied together to embrace this year’s theme and our NAIDOC program, which included daily cultural activities, a delicious Kup Murri and shared feast, gorgeous decorations and of course the entertainment program featuring all of our students.

“We even had a surprise performance from our high school ladies dance team.

“Another highlight was our school choir, led by Miss Bligh, and of course Island Stars Dance Troupe brought their usual mix of high-energy and skilful dancing with Joey Laifoo at the helm.”

He said the program was perfectly finished with a beautiful rendition of Torres Strait Is Our Home Pics supplied.