Ten young Aboriginal people from Gunnedah have visited the Shire of Manly as part of the Gunnedah/Manly Sister City Relationship.
Participants experienced a diverse range of leisure and educational activities including surfing and an introduction to the Gawura Aboriginal Education Centre at the Northern Beaches College of TAFE.
Other highlights were a tour through Redfern with Elder Aunty Donna, a visit to Bantry Bay, a trip to the zoo, a cultural cruise on the Tribal Warrior and a meet and greet with some of the stars of Home and Away.
The program was a joint initiative of Gunnedah Shire Mayor Owen Hasler, Manly Mayor Jean Hay and Manly Council General Manager Henry Wong was instrumental in ensuring the time spent was fun-filled, but educational.
Councillor Hasler said the exchange was a carefully structured program.
“[The program was] designed to expose the youth to successful recognised indigenous work, art and cultural programs operating in the area as well as participation and observation of wider community and work experience in both Manly and the wider community.”
The ten young participants were selected by a Gunnedah Shire Council Expression of Interest process consisting of an initial assessment of applications followed by a panel interview.
Councillor Hasler, Councillor Gwen Griffin, Gunnedah High School Aboriginal Liaison Helen Lickorish and Youth Officer Peter Woolven all sat on the selection panel.
Peter Woolven said the youth were fine ambassadors for Gunnedah and their families.
“It was great to see them embrace the opportunities in Sydney. Many of the youth came away with some new ideas about what they might like to do in the future.”
By way of thank you, the young people of Gunnedah presented Manly Council with a cultural painting produced by local Gunnedah artist Des Mullion, and in return were presented with t-shirts signifying the program.
Gunnedah and Manly councils will continue to work together to provide opportunities for the Aboriginal youth population.
