Sep 20

New name. Massive term.

It is always nice to reflect on the last term and to share an update of what we’ve been up to in our four partner communities. But I am particularly proud to send you this newsletter – the first one as Murrup.

We transitioned to our new name on 1 July 2024 and adopted the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung word for ‘spirit’. We also changed our logo, updated our website and traded our red uniforms for teal ones. In addition, we engaged Bunurong and Palawa artist Kobi Sainty, to develop a stunning artwork that forms the basis of our new visual identity (you can read more about that below). We are so proud that our public-facing image echoes that culture is at the heart of everything we do.

All this has been on top of delivering our programming in the homes, schools and neighbourhoods of our four partner communities. Having finalised our updated program logic and strategic plan, our teams came together in Naarm to design and reimagine our program plans. And we’re delivering them with gusto.

None of this would be possible without the support of our partners and supporters, and our community partners, who walk with us. We are forever grateful.

Shellee Strickland

CEO Murrup

We’re an ACCO ...

In what represents a significant milestone for our organisation, Murrup now meets the criteria to be considered an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation; our organisation is lead by an Aboriginal CEO and more than 51% of our Board members are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Being an ACCO is a change in the relationship we have with our partner communities, clients and in the way we are funded by government. But, most importantly, it represents that we’re embodying self-determination; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are designing place-based programs and delivering services in ways that we know works best.

Professional development and programming

Staff from Murrup’s four partner communities travelled to Naarm in August to take part in professional development, and to redesign Murrup’s programs to ensure they best suit their communities.

Executive of Programs Max Broadley said that as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, Murrup was committed to involving community-based staff in designing Murrup’s place-based programs across five streams: early childhood, school engagement and retention, strong transitions, neighbourhood support, and community activation.

“Our community-based teams live our work every day and they bring expertise and insights into what will, and more importantly won’t, work in their communities,” he said.

Palm Island Senior Program Coordinator Keri Morton said it was fantastic the team was able to come together.

"Team week was fantastic for bringing everyone together. It was a great opportunity to discuss our challenges and successes and explore different solutions," she said.

Murrup Program Coordinator Seth Clay summed up the experience: "Team week was amazing! It was the first time all the teams had come together as Murrup, which helped us get to know each other and our communities better. I felt inspired and motivated to think big about our future."

A highlight of the week was a celebration at Gate 8 to officially launch our new name, and mark the new direction of our programming.

Spirit of the Land and Sea

We could not be more proud that Bunurong and Palawa contemporary artist Kobi Sainty has created 'Spirit of the Land and Sea' for Murrup. This magnificent artwork forms the basis of our new visual identity.

“This artwork is my story. I have told about our connection to Country and Sea, and how we live on Country and work together to maintain a healthy lifestyle, touching on all parts of our community and the connections we have as a whole group. Touching on Men's and Women's Business and how we work together."

Kobi’s beautiful artwork is featured on the pieces in our 'Murrup Collection' which is available at our online shop.

Galiwin’ku students soar at NT athletics meet

Murrup was proud to support two students from Galiwin’ku to travel to Darwin to compete in the NT Athletics Championships.

Trevor Gayundurr clocked two PBs and booked himself a place at the national championships, winning gold in the U18 400m and silver in the U18 100m, 200m and 800m.

Rene Gaykamangu came first in the U14 long jump and second in the U14 high jump.

They both won gold as part of the U18 4x100m relay.

The funding for this was made possible by Steve Hooker – Olympic gold medalist and long-time friend of our organisation – who competed on a special Olympic episode of The Tipping Point.

Steve won $21,300 for Murrup in a nail-biter episode, which you can watch here.

Triple P parenting in Palm Island

As part of our commitment to supporting parents of babies, toddlers and children in the early years, our Palm Island team have become accredited trainers of the Triple P program.

The course, funded through the University of Queensland, covered a range of parenting support strategies, including understanding child behaviour, setting families up for success, positive behaviour guidance, parent coaching, and using various assessment tools.

Now they’re accredited trainers, the team will be able to share the program with other parents, and arm them with the tools, confidence and skills to be the best parents and carers they can be.

Schools out … and we’re just getting started

Last school holidays were jam packed full of activities and celebrations.

Our staff ran activities throughout the holidays which provided safe, structured and fun activities for children and young people in our communities to enjoy. Discos and karaoke provided an opportunity to unleash their inner performers, while craft sessions provided an outlet for their creative flair. Baking sessions honed their cooking skills and provided an opportunity to chat about food and nutrition.

Activities to celebrate NAIDOC were particular highlights.

We also provided 1,725 meals over 15 days in our Wurrumiyanga and 722 meals in our QLD partner communities.

These holidays, our QLD and Wurrumiyanga teams will again be running a range of activities.

Thankyou to the local councils, Catholic Care, PCYC and PICC for working with us. And thank you to our funders and partners whose generosity enables us to support the children and young people and their families in our four partner communities.

We know that for students to be able to learn, they need to have good food in their bellies. We also know that not all students who attend school in the morning stick around for the afternoon lessons.

Murrup’s Palm Island team has come up with a way to encourage students to stay at school for the whole day: they’ve been cooking healthy and tasty meals.

A day in the life of …

As part of our School Engagement and Retention stream, our Galiwin’ku team works with our partner school - Shepherdson College - to support in-class activities and provide student support that is multi-faceted, flexible and, importantly, tailored to local Yolngu needs. Here are some of the activities they’ve assisted with recently, taken straight from their class visit data journal:

“Grade 2: Sounds and sign language in Yolngu matha.”
“NTCET class: We helped the boys how to use computers, including PowerPoint.”
“Senior Years Boys: Today we were helping the boys to do their application forms for the white cards.”
“NTCET: The girls started finishing their NTCET work and it was part of their patterns, mostly for the Year 12. They filmed themselves talking about their Totems, why it is important, who does it belong to, how often they do the dance and how do the movements work.”

‘Having a child with special needs in an Aboriginal community is hard. Some parents are too proud to ask for help. I am grateful as a parent to have Murrup here on the island. I can reach out to the workers and not worry so much about my son, and he doesn’t need me there all the time, as the Murrup staff are great with him.’ ~ Palm Island parent

Have you explored our Murrup collection yet?

Murrup’s ‘The Future is Freedom’ range, showcases the stunning "Spirit of the Land and Sea" artwork by Kobi Sainty.

Our products combine style and functionality, making them the ideal gift or a special treat for yourself.

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.

Check out the range

Murrup acknowledges and pays our respects to the past, present and emerging traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander users are advised that this website may contain images and voices of people who have died.