| 2010 Dilli Sabi Binalmunga Forum |
|
Mackay Youth Support Services in conjunction with the Dilli Sabi Binalmunga Reference Committee will be hosting the Dilli Sabi Binalmunga Indigenous and Australian South Sea Islander Education Forum from October 12th to 15th, 2010 at the Mackay Showground's. Dilli Sabi Binalmunga means, "To See, To Learn, To Understand" and targets Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian South Sea Islander young people from the ages of 13 - 17 in Mackay, Sarina and Mirani and surrounding areas.
Mackay Youth Support Service Inc. (MYSS) is a non for profit Organisation committed to supporting young people facing issues that places them at risk from disengaging from secondary schools. MYSS offers two programs within the service; Youth Support Coordinators (YSC) who offer one on one support, group work and community development activities. The Indigenous YSC supports Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander young people to remain in education and responds to needs of the local community running programs and community activities that are identified by their school and community. The Unite Program works with young people and their families experiencing issues with communication and relationships due to family conflict, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, stress and a range of other issues and concerns. The Dilli Sabi Reference Committee consist of highly respected community members who all have an interest in the community and are dedicated in bringing fresh opportunities and change to the young people in their community. The Reference Committee also contains representatives from Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian South Sea Islanders communities. Dilli Sabi Binalmunga established in 2006 and was a huge success with nearly 300 young people attending each day of the three day forum. The young people were supported by the Indigenous Community Education Counselor (CEC), Principals, Education Department and local Indigenous and Australian South Sea Islander organisations and community. The youths were in awe, overwhelmed by the opportunity to meet such Inspirational Indigenous and Australian South Sea Islander Role Models that have made a change for Indigenous people in the Australian Community. Dilli Sabi Binalmunga gives young people a chance to connect with Elders, community organisations and powerful and inspiring Indigenous and Australian South Sea Islander Role models. The aim of the forum is to empower young people to challenge their actions and make informed choices and change their current situation in life. Dilli Sabi Binalmunga 2010 is a 4 day Indigenous and South Sea Islander forum consisting of 3 days of workshops rotating on a round robin system. There will be 9 workshops spread over the 3 days, these workshops will be facilitated by local and national recognised Indigenous and Australian South Sea Islander role models who have committed in sharing their story young people to "think outside the box" they live in. The workshops will encompass motivational speakers, performances, music and dance workshops, lyric writing, and many more. The young people will have the opportunity to be creative and engage in most of the workshops of their choice generating unity, success, accomplishment, motivation and to drive themselves to reach their full potential. The last day will be a cultural day where the students will be transported to and outdoor area where elders of the community will share their cultural stories in reference to ties to the land, struggles, respect, hopes, dreams and commitment in keeping their cultural heritage alive. The cultural day is to make stronger ties between young people and Elders in the community. It will also help identify and make our young people aware of the importance Elders are in our local community strengthening respect, unity, and workmanship in trying to bring a greater change to attitudes and behavior. The short term objectives of the forum are to:
If you have any questions or comments about the forum please contact:
Noeleen Madrill Ph:(07) 4953 2299 or 0400 230 177 Email: yscindigi@myss.org.au Melanie Kemp Ph:(07) 4953 2299 Email: dillisabi@myss.org.au |