TAKING to the road and expanding its offerings well beyond the online domain, The Koori Big Day Out transformed Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s (GSSC) gymnasium on Thursday June 22 into a bustling centre of panel sessions, workshops and cultural activities aimed at lifting the post-school aspirations of the region’s Koorie students.
An expo incorporating representative stalls from Victoria’s nine universities, GOTAFE, the ADF, Headspace, GV Health, Ganbina, Services Australia, Kaiela Arts, Legal Aid, ASHE, the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, Rumbalara, 13 Yarn and more, the Koorie Big Day Out presented a wealth of information, pathway options and cultural activities designed to inspire students to dream big.
Jointly curated by Toorong Marnong, and GSSC, The Koorie Big Day Out coincided with NAIDOC Week celebrations at the school.
Event curator and Toorong Marnong coordinator, Shane Bates said of the Big Day Out, “This day really represents Koorie excellence, and it is about providing the resources and opportunities for jobs while also fostering cultural awareness through a range of talks and activities.
“Represented at the Big Day Out is all of Victoria’s nine universities as Toorong Marnong works with all of them in partnership to offer specific pathways for Koorie learners and this is the first year that we’ve included external suppliers as well.
“Today’s event is the biggest we’ve had to date and coming out of Covid we wanted to offer not only a culturally safe space for the students but also provide them with wellbeing support as well as ensure that they have all of the tips and tricks in place to carry them successfully into the future.”
After Shepparton, The Koorie Big Day Out will travel to Mildura and then complete its tour in Melbourne.
