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Pilbara youth groups welcome crucial Telethon support

Alexander ScottPilbara News
The Songs for Peace cast and crew.
Camera IconThe Songs for Peace cast and crew. Credit: Supplied/Marg Bertling/Marg Bertling

A social justice arts group in Roebourne and a youth hostel in Newman helping Martu children attend high school will both receive a helping hand from Telethon to continue to support children in the Pilbara.

Social justice arts group Big hArt, along with 54 Reasons, are just two of the Pilbara organisations set to benefit from the upcoming Telethon fundraiser to help provide vital care for youth in the region.

Launched in Roebourne in 2010, Big hArt is a social justice arts group that provides a series of workshops and on country learning for local youths as well as holding the annual Songs for Peace concert.

Big hArt New Roebourne producer Aimee Kepa said the funding from Telethon would go to continuing to run the programs.

Big hART producer Aimee Kepa and student Nina Derrell, 15.
Camera IconBig hART producer Aimee Kepa and student Nina Derrell, 15. Credit: Caitlyn Watts/Pilbara News/Pilbara News

“We have had a really good response particularly from young people that can be engaged in a creative process and for example, through Songs for Peace, we had rap and hip hop workshops and we just made a film clip, producing songs and lyrics and storytelling on on lots of different levels,” she said.

“And obviously, we’re super-grateful to Telethon to be able to support those ongoing activities that have happened that have happened this year.”

Ms Kepa said the workshops focused on the development of creative content made in Roebourne by Roebourne young people.

“We see that engagement as an opportunity to work with these amazing young people and work to their strengths as well,” she said.

“By doing that we hope their overall health and well-being improves and the confidence that young people have to try new things and to put themselves out there and collaborate with different mentors and tell their stories become stronger and stronger.”

Ms Kepa said it was critical to provide a voice to Roebourne’s youths.

Shiloh Mourambine, Jasminda Stevens, Ciara Coppin, Shenaya Black, Bianca Wally and Latisha Parker perform onstage in a Big hART production. Picture: Big hART
Camera IconShiloh Mourambine, Jasminda Stevens, Ciara Coppin, Shenaya Black, Bianca Wally and Latisha Parker perform onstage in a Big hART production. Credit: Big hART/RegionalHUB

“The beauty with these kinds of workshops that cover digital things and on country trips is that it provides a diverse range of activities for young people to find comfortable mediums to express their stories and their voice,” she said.

Meanwhile, the 54 reasons operate Martuku Jijiku Maya, a new hostel located near Martu Ngurra, which provides housing for students wanting to finish high school.

A spokesperson for 54 Reasons said Telethon is supporting Martuku Jijiku Maya with implementing a holistic approach to Martu students education and culture connection.

“This is achieved through the employment of tutors to support students academically and Martu Cultural advisors who will support students, staff and 54 Reasons in ensuring the facility, staff and students are connected to Martu Culture,” they said.

The spokesperson said Telethon was crucial in delivering communities outcomes that benefit children across Western Australia.

“No Martu student has attained graduation through to Year 12 and this facility is crucial in providing a safe, supportive and culturally appropriate place for Martu students to thrive,” they said.

“The hostel currently has two Martu students who have attended two terms at Newman Senior High School.”

54 Reasons regional manager Callan Hatchman said the organisation looked forward to more students entering the facility in the coming months.

“To see our two students, grow educationally, socially and in confidence since their entry into the facility has been amazing,” he said.

Due to take place on Saturday, October 22, Telethon has a new home at the RAC Arena, in the heart of the Perth CBD.

WA will give generously to sick kids in need while being treated to some of the best musical acts and entertainment around during the 26-hour telecast.

To date, Telethon has raised $395 million for Australian children.

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