Term 3 highlights: Literacy and life-long learning ✨
- communityspiritfound
- Sep 19
- 5 min read
I have returned to my desk after some time in the United States, where I attended an intensive Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management course at Harvard University. This course was an opportunity to learn about best-practice from world leaders, network and workshop some of the opportunities and challenges not-for-profit organisations experience.
While I was a world away from the remote communities in which we serve, I was proud to sit amongst leaders from around the world, confident that Murrup’s framework and business model is comparable to other international organisations. And I was proud to share insights from our work that will give others food for thought, because, even in the not-for-profit space, our work at Murrup is inherently unique.
This opportunity was made available to me as part of our organisational commitment to professional development. This has seen two staff members travel to Melbourne from their homes in remote communities to work in our Wurundjeri head office for 12 months. It has also seen our learning and development team deliver continuous training to our front-line staff.
Through this investment in learning and development, Murrup will continue to deliver strong, effective programs and community leaders.
Murrup: The Future is Freedom is a short film that tells the story of our work. You’ll hear from our community partners, witness our impact, and enjoy shots of some of Australia’s most beautiful locations. It also shines a light on some of the barriers to true freedom that are faced by the children and young people who live there.
We hope watching this film makes you proud; it’s because of people like you – our supporters – that we can provide practical tools, and deliver programs, that support First Nations children and young people to create a life of their choosing.
Celebrating NAIDOC 🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍
NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, our partner communities came together in vibrant and meaningful ways to honour this special week.
In Woorabinda, a NAIDOC march kicked off a day of touch footy, with breakfast, face painting, a colour run, and a community concert. In Wurrumiyanga, the community came together for singing and dancing and a feed. On Palm Island, elders guided painting and traditional dance sessions, passing on stories and cultural knowledge to the next generation.
Our Wurundjeri team marked the week by attending the Victorian NAIDOC Ball and the Flag Raising ceremony, and trying their hand at weaving as part of a workshop. The week was rounded out with a special screening of Murrup: The Future is Freedom.
Breaking barriers, building futures: Strong Transitions in action
August was busy month for Murrup’s Strong Transitions program coordinator, Samana Sukaserm, who worked with Woorabinda’s young people to create proud milestones by completing paperwork and navigating bureaucratic processes, unlocking opportunities.
During the month, young people in Woorabinda obtained:
6 learner and probationary licences
9 Blue Cards
5 Tax File Numbers
3 Centrelink applications finalised
Murrup has worked hard to develop relationships with government agencies, to find work-around solutions to the barriers many First Nations young people face. The Indigenous Licensing Unit even made it possible for students to sit their learner tests and walk away with licence cards on the same day.
Many students flowed straight into Blue Card Services, unlocking pathways for employment, volunteering, and training, steps once thought out of reach. Beyond the paperwork, Samana also connected with employment providers, creating stronger support networks that will continue to benefit the young people of Woorabinda well into the future.
Rex's journey: Driving towards his future
We also celebrated a special milestone with Rex as he bought his first car. Rex has been involved with Murrup’s programs since they started in Woorabinda in 2015 and continues to contribute to the Strong Transitions program.
We congratulate Rex on his commitment and leadership.
Palm Island visit to Wurundjeri office
In August, our Wurundjeri team hosted the future leaders of Palm Island. As part of their school camp on Wurundjeri Country, students toured Murrup’s head office, met staff and took part in a panel hosted by our Learning and Development team.
A highlight for the students was seeing a familiar face from home. Ikanau Conway has joined our learning and development team in Melbourne having worked in our Palm Island team delivering programs since 2023. Seeing Ikanau in her new role served as a powerful reminder to the students of the pathways and possibilities that are open to them.
Inspiring young people to shine bright 🌟
Murrup Galiwin’ku Team Leader Maggie Garawirrtja, is a shining example of how passion, talent and heart can create meaningful change.
Earlier this year, Maggie launched Nhapurr Burr’yun (Let’s Dance), a hip hop program giving girls from early years to Grade 6 a space to build confidence, express themselves, and support one another in a safe and positive environment. She’s also been part of delivering Miyalk – a group especially for young women to connect for fun and food.
But Maggie’s talents extend beyond her work. She recently had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside superstar Jessica Mauboy, showcasing her talent and inspiring others with her dedication and drive. Through music, dance, and teaching, Maggie encourages young people to embrace who they are, pursue their dreams, and feel proud of their unique talents.
Strength in our stories - Palm Island reading circle
This year’s Indigenous Literacy Day theme, Strength in Our Stories, celebrates the power of storytelling and the role it plays in keeping culture strong and alive. Literacy goes beyond reading and writing; it lives in spoken language, visuals, dance, and sound. For millennia, storytelling has been at the heart of First Nations cultures, connecting people to community and Country.
In Palm Island, this spirit came to life as the community gathered to host a special reading circle for Prep and Year 1 students. Children listened to stories shared by community members, sparking joy, curiosity, and plenty of smiles. The day was a beautiful reminder that stories not only educate but also preserve history, share wisdom, and pass on values across generations.
Celebrating book week
Superheros and princesses descended on Woorabinda during Book Week as students dressed up in colourful costumes supplied by Murrup.
The day was filled with imagination and community spirit, and was topped off with a barbecue lunch.
More than just clean clothes - Orange Sky bus
Launched in February, Wurrumiyanga’s mobile laundry bus has already done more than 600 loads of washing and has been used by 71 households. It also supports the men’s group every Monday and will become part of a playgroup and early years program in the coming months.
Having access to freely available, hot washing facilities is playing a vital role in reducing skin infections, which can lead to serious health issues like rheumatic heart disease and can be a barrier to getting children and young people to school. Survey feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of users describing the service as “very helpful” for their family’s health and wellbeing.
Beyond clean clothes and bedding, the service is also fostering community connection. Thanks to Foodbank NT, visitors enjoy tea and coffee and receive grocery items making it more than a service; it’s a hub for health and community wellbeing.
Take a glimpse into our partner communities...✨
We are thrilled to share a specially curated collection of photographs by Mark Chew, one of Australia’s preeminent documentary and editorial photographers. These stunning images offer a window into Murrup’s four partner communities: Galiwin’ku and Wurrumiyanga in the Northern Territory, and Palm Island and Woorabinda in Queensland.
We have a series of limited edition prints available for purchase. Each print is reproduced on museum-grade cotton-rag media and framed in black timber box frame (finished size 72cm x 102cm x 4cm).
This collection is perfect for adding a touch of art and inspiration to your home or office. From breathtaking landscapes to thought-provoking portraits, each piece captures a unique story and moment in time. And the profits of every sale goes directly to funding our programs in our four partner communities.
View our catalogue here
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