Children are our Future

Youth Cultural Strengthening - Hip Hop and Choir

The youth cultural strengthening program is a partnership between the Yarra Ranges Council and Upper Yarra Community House.

Hip Hop

The Hip Hop is held every Wednesday after school at the Darren Honey Centre.  Children learn contempory hip hop style dancing.  They have performed at local events including NAIDOC awards and at community gatherings.  Afternoon tea is provided.

Children's Choir

The Children's Choir is held every Thursday after school at the Darren Honey Centre.  Children learn traditional and contemporary songs.  Afternoon tea and dinner is provided.  The Choir performs regularly at State and local events.  Events have included the Victorian State School Spectacular, a remeberance ceremony for Aboriginal returned soldiers, for Prince Charles and Camilla,  and for the Australian/New Zealand Psychology conference.

Culturally Affirming Childcare in Healesville

Yarra Ranges Council, Eastern Health, Healesville Primary School, Robyn Jane, Kinderlink and HICSA are working towards establishing a culturally affirming child care precinct in Healesville.  The centre will celebrate the areas where Aboriginal children do well and provide early identification of health problems and access to allied health professionals (including dental).

The centre will provide a positive role model of reconciliation for children and families.  In addition to providing cultural training, in 2012 HICSA employed two engagement workers to enhance and build relationships between families and the service.

HICSA is currently completing a cultural awareness program with over 130 children engaged at Wuran Child and Family Place. Activities include dance, story telling and art work taught by local Elders, as well as a performance at the Memo Hall in April. All children have been given clap sticks to paint, and will learn a rythym which will be part of the performance coordinated by Songlines.

Go to here for more information on Wuran Child and Family Place.

 Boorai Play Group

Are you interested in helping to establish a Boorai playgroup?  Contact Steph Grubb on 5962 2940.