Gannawarra students connect through dance

By Ryan Bellingham

Feb 24, 2025

Gannawarra kids will participate in Indigenous music and dance as part of a cultural activity program this March. Photo by Supplied

Students from all schools in Gannawarra Shire Council will participate in an upcoming Indigenous dance troop and cultural activity program.

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The council has partnered with local and state groups to bring Indigenous Outreach Projects, or IOP, and The Little Long Walk to the region.

The program is part of the council’s efforts to connect young people through music, dance and cultural activities.

“It is fantastic that council is partnering with various agencies to bring IOP and their renowned hip hop program to the Gannawarra,” chief executive Geoff Rollinson said.

“With more than two decades of experience, IOP successfully uses dance and music to foster change and deliver healthy and positive messages.

“The Little Long Walk will support students to create banners using Aboriginal symbols to tell their own stories and share these with the wider community.”

Over 1200 primary and secondary students will join the four-day program, consisting of seven workshops to be held across the region.

A session involving Northern District Community Health’s Indigenous children and youth programs is also planned.

“These sessions build on the local Aboriginal community’s participation in the 20th anniversary of The Long Walk last year in Melbourne,” Mr Rollinson said.

The program supports the council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, which aims to foster a municipality where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents can thrive.

Activities will take place from Monday, March 3 to Thursday, March 6.