Girls from Oz
Providing performing arts-based activities to children and young people in remote Australia.
Girls from Oz expands life experiences, creates connections and encourages growth in confidence through performing arts based programs in remote communities. The g-oz program in Halls Creek aims to raise the capacity of Indigenous girls and young women to set and achieve life goals, and make meaningful choices by experiencing the benefits of sustained engagement in educational activities.
2015 Pitch
Funds raised: $14,580
Girls from OZ pitched at The Funding Network in Perth on 3 September 2015 and raised $14,580 to bring performing arts specialists to Halls Creek and create a unique community performance in collaboration with Kimberley Language Resource Centre and Halls Creek District High School.
The impact...
Supported by 4 g-oz instructors and 24 local adults (including 5 women from the language centre), 22 young Halls Creek girls led another 30 little children in concert, lifting their heads and experiencing the unfamiliar sensation of success. Halls Creek elders who express regret when their grandchildren are not engaging with culture were honoured with a performance by their young people singing in language in front of an audience of 100+ proud friends, family and community members.
Through inspirational female role models and the g-oz activities of singing, dancing and performing have come improved self confidence, self esteem, communication skills and the opportunity to create connections across Australia. An important aspect of the program is encouraging the girls to take learning risks in a safe environment. Year 5 student, Ashlyn, bravely accepted the opportunity to perform the ‘I Am Australian’ solo, conquering her nerves to sing beautifully at the local radio station, in school assembly and for the community performance. Here was a young girl who previously might have dropped her head and said ‘shame, Miss, shame’ at the very idea of performing in front of friends and family in her own town, instead standing proud and successful. Challenged, nurtured and encouraged, Ashlyn and her g-oz peers have been able to recognise and share their talents - and defeat shame.
A thank you from those proud g-oz girls themselves to all the TFN donors for making this unique cross-community event a reality, and a look behind the scenes of this wonderful project...
Read their Impact Report
Learn more about Girls from Oz.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals:
