31 May 2024
At Hilltop Road Public School, we always seek to make the most of the opportunity Reconciliation Week provides to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia and in our school community. This year, as well as sharing Indigenous stories, songs, art and language in our classrooms, we had a very special and exciting day of performances on Wednesday, May 29.
We were thrilled to welcome Mitch Tambo, didgeridoo player, traditional indigenous dancer, and singer, who famously received a Golden Buzzer on Australia's got Talent and has performed stadium shows around the country. We were equally excited to welcome Voice of Lele, a refugee, proud West Papuan Woman, and advocate for refugee women in Australia and the freedom of West Papua, with a commendable career in the music industry and her debut solo album soon to be released.
Mitch performed for our K-6 students in the morning and transformed our hall into a concert hall with his talent and stage presence. The whole school was dancing and singing along as he performed a range of songs including his own original creations and re-worked Australian classics. Mitch sang for us in both English and his Indigenous dialect, and expertly played the didgeridoo. He was not only immensely entertaining, but also taught us all some important information about Australia's history and our Aboriginal culture.
Later in the day, Voice of Lele performed for our 3-6 students. We were moved by her story of survival and her stunning voice. Students were immersed in the cultural experience with face painting for the girls and arm painting for the boys.
Both performances were truly memorable and a unique experience for our students. We thank Mitch Tambo and Voice of Lele for coming to Hilltop Road Public School and bringing their strong energy to our Reconciliation Week.
