Indigenous Kids Fun Day

Forging lifelong relationships through fun

The Faculty of Commerce has an ongoing commitment to develop and nurture relationships with the local Indigenous community. During September 2009 the Faculty was awarded a Community Engagement grant to develop a short film Acknowledging Dharawal Country. The aim of this project is to engage with the local Indigenous community as a way of providing insight into the meaningfulness of Country, Kinship, Culture and Connections.

To continue this close community association the Faculty of Commerce, in partnership with the University Recreation and Aquatic Centre (URAC), held an activity day on the 21st January 2010 for local Indigenous primary school children. These children are predominantly from the Department of Education & Training’s determined disadvantage schools and low socio- economic areas within the Illawarra.

The aim of the day was to engage local Indigenous kids through different sporting activities and the painting of a mural designed by local Aboriginal artists. This mural will become part of the Faculty’s art pieces and will be hung within the Commerce building, representing the close ties of the University with the local community.

Jade Kennedy, Indigenous Project Officer for the Faculty of Commerce said, “These local kids need to develop a sense of belonging with the University. One day they may be back as a student and after that, possibly an employee. Although it’s a fun activity day its important to remember that there is a deeper message for the community”.

The event received a lot of support from the community as local heroes St George Illawarra Dragons attended with thanks to Wollongong Lions Club, UniCentre and KidsUni for sponsoring the day.

For further information regarding Indigenous Kids Fun day or the Acknowledgment of Dharawal Country short film, please contact Jade Kennedy, Indigenous Project Officer jkennedy@uow.edu.au) or Susie Pratt, visiting fellow spratt@uow.edu.au.

Last reviewed: 27 January, 2010