Hip hop, heart health and so much more ... ✨
- communityspiritfound
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Earlier this month, I attended the National Early Years Policy Summit in Brisbane. The summit brought people from ACCOs, all levels of government, academia, not-for-profit and private enterprise together to drive reform in the early childhood sector. It was heartening to hear frank and open discussions about some of the barriers facing families, and some of the measures being taken to counter them.
A number of speakers urged policy makers to look to the ancient and enduring child-rearing methods of First Nations Peoples for best practice, and recognised the role Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations play in providing culturally safe, community-led support to some of Australia’s most vulnerable children. And it was pleasing to hear that there is wide-spread recognition that the way to achieve positive early years outcomes for children, is to provide wrap-around support for the entire family.
This is the premise of our early years stream. You can read about our Palm Island HIPPY program below, which is giving parents and carers the tools and resources to be their child’s best and first educators. And we are excited to be expanding of our early years platform in Woorabinda and Wurrumiyanga in the coming months.
Of course, none of this is possible without our partners and supporters and I thank each and every one of you. If you can, we would be so grateful for your support this tax time (there’s still time). Every donation over $2 is tax deductible and goes directly to supporting our work in our four partner communities.
Best wishes,
Shellee Strickland
CEO Murrup
Nhapurr Burr’yun - Let’s Dance!
This term, Murrup launched Nhapurr Burr’yun - meaning Let’s Dance - a hip hop program bringing energy, confidence, and joy to young girls in Galiwin’ku.
Inspired by the freedom and self-expression she found through dance, Murrup Program Coordinator Mutuwili wanted to create a space where girls from early years to Grade 6, can build strong foundations.
“The girls loved it,” Mutuwili said. “They kept asking when the next session was. Some had never done anything like it before.”
But the heart of Nhapurr Burr’yun runs deeper than just dance moves.
“I want them to build confidence, to feel like they belong, and to support each other. That’s what we’ve started doing - creating a positive, safe space where they can shine.”
And it’s just the beginning.
“I’d love to keep it going. This is something kids in Galiwin’ku never had growing up.”
More than just a laundry: Orange Sky Wurrumiyanga
Since launching in February, Murrup’s Orange Sky Wurrumiyanga mobile laundry service has completed over 764 washes, provided 1,225 hours of meaningful conversation, and operated across more than 57 shifts.
Our mobile laundry service not only provides a facility for laundering clothes, towels and bedding, it also plays a vital role in reducing health issues such as skin and associated heart diseases. And, it fosters connection and support through genuine conversations, which strengthens community wellbeing.
We’re so proud to be delivering such an important service.
From Palm Island to Melbourne and back again
Learning and Development Coordinator Ikanau (pictured left) is one of two community-based staff members who are spending 12 months in Murrup’s Wurundjeri office. Ikanau’s placement - part of Murrup’s intensive learning and development program - will see her undergo formal and informal mentoring as part of a ‘train the trainer’ model.
Ikanau travelled back to her home of Palm Island recently to deliver key training and development modules. She delivered 10 modules over three days to ensure staff stay up to date with compliance and continue to grow their skills to deliver strong outcomes for community.
There's still time🌟
Support our work with a tax-deductible donation
Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of First Nations families and communities we serve. By donating to Murrup this tax time, you can help us to continue to deliver vital programs that support parents and families in their child’s early years, engage students in school and support young people as they transition into adulthood. Every dollar counts towards creating stronger futures and supporting self-determination. Thank you for walking with us.
Here’s what you’re investing in:
Supporting strong starts in Palm Island children
Ninety per cent of brain development occurs in the first five years, so it’s imperative we support families to be their child’s first and best teachers. That’s why, in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, we deliver HIPPY – the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters – an early learning program that empowers parents and carers to support their child’s development at home.
This term, we celebrated four of our littlest learners who graduated from the program in Palm Island – a milestone made possible by the dedication of their families and the support of our local tutors.
HIPPY builds children’s confidence, language, and early literacy and numeracy skills, while strengthening the bond between carer and child. It’s all about strong starts and brighter futures.
Congratulations to our graduates and their families.
Wisdom to Power: Reflections from the Koorie Youth Summit
Layla, Murrup’s Communication and Marketing Coordinator, recently attended the Koorie Youth Summit on beautiful Yorta Yorta Country.
The theme, Wisdom to Power: Purpose, Passion, and Action, echoed throughout every part of the summit - from engaging workshops and heartfelt conversations to quiet moments of reflection on Country.
Surrounded by mob united by cultural pride and a shared drive for change, the summit created a safe, empowering space. Sessions focused on leadership, mental health, and community-building were not only insightful, but healing - reminding us of our collective strength and the importance of staying connected to purpose.
What truly set this summit apart was the central role of culture. Whether learning from Elders on Country or honouring ancestors through each session, it was clear that our strength is rooted in who we are.
Murrup promotes healthy hearts in Wurrumiyanga
More First Nations Peoples experience heart disease than any other Australian. Rates are highest in remote communities and acute rheumatic fever is most common among children aged five to 14. So, Murrup hosted Happy Healthy Heart Day – an event during Heart Week designed to bring the community together to learn about heart health.
Community members were given toothbrushes and toothpaste kits (important tools for heart health), fresh fruit and vegetable packs (with thanks to Foodbank), and kangaroo tail to take home. And they received information about ways to keep their hearts healthy.
It was a terrific event that warmed hearts and lifted spirits.
Promoting kindness and mental health awareness
This month, community members in Woorabinda came together for a powerful Do It For Dolly Day march to stand strong against bullying and raise awareness for mental health in our young people.
Do It For Dolly Day is about spreading kindness and supporting conversations around mental wellbeing, especially for children and teens. For our First Nations communities, mental health is deeply connected to culture, identity, and connection to Country.
Events like these help break the stigma, build safe spaces, and remind our young people they are never alone.
Our year in review
Last year was transformative for Murrup.
We reimagined our programming and invested significantly in our service infrastructure. We supported our partner communities through times of hardship and challenge, and celebrated achievements and culture. And we changed our name and branding.
You can read our year in review in our 2024 annual report here
Have you explored our Murrup collection yet?
Every purchase directly helps Murrup to deliver programs in our four partner communities, with 100% of profits going towards supporting children and young people, and their families.
Join us on our journey - your support helps turn our vision into reality.
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