Term 4: shiny and bright ✨
It is not an exaggeration to say 2024 has been transformative for our organisation.
We have changed our name, developed a new strategic plan and program logic, reimagined our programming, implemented new services, developed new systems and structures, and relocated offices. I have personally travelled 18 times to meet with our teams and partner schools, consult with traditional groups and other stakeholders, and hear from local people about how we can best serve their beautiful communities.
There have been some challenges and hiccups, and our partner communities have dealt with grief and prevailing disadvantage. But, my goodness, there have been some magical moments, terrific outcomes and significant wins too. And next year is set to be even better.
Absolutely none of our work would be possible without the support of our partners and donors and we thank every single person who walks alongside us. We also express our heartful gratitude for the privilege of serving our four magnificent communities.
Wishing you and your family all the best for a safe and happy festive season.
Shellee Strickland
CEO Murrup
A Christmas message from Tiwi … ✨
Celebrating the future
Seventeen students in our four partner communities demonstrated hard work, resilience, and dedication to graduate Year 12 this year.
Each graduate represents a powerful story of determination, and has been supported by their family, school, community and our programs. These young leaders have overcome unique challenges to reach this milestone, and we couldn’t be more proud of their success.
To our graduates: Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment. We can’t wait to see all that you will achieve in the future, whether that’s pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or contributing back to your community in meaningful ways.
Awarding shining stars
This term our teams were thrilled to present 602 awards to some incredible young students:
✨ 73 awards in Tiwi
✨ 205 awards in Galiwin’ku
✨ 210 in Woorabinda
✨ 114 in Palm Island
These awards represent attendance and participation and we’re so proud of each and every awardee for their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt thank you to the families, teachers and communities who continue to inspire and support these young stars.
Ten years of HIPPY on Palm Island
This year we celebrated 10 years of empowering parents and children on Palm Island through the HIPPY program.
Delivered by Murrup in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, HIPPY has strengthened educational foundations for over 200 families. The program helps parents become their children’s first teachers, fostering early literacy and numeracy skills.
HIPPY Coordinator Sedonia Ross, a tutor and parent, shares how it has impacted her:
‘Being a part of HIPPY brings confidence, not only to the children but also to us as parents.’
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Murrup shines at Parliament House
Murrup was selected as one of two recipients of the 2024 Australian Parliament House Christmas Giving Tree.
Murrup CEO Shellee Strickland attended a special ceremony in Canberra to officially light the Giving Tree, alongside co-recipients Teach For Australia (TFA) and other distinguished guests.
It was a heartwarming moment that highlighted the power of community and giving during the festive season.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible and donated.
Looking for a unique way to make a real impact? Gift a donation pack in someone's honor. Choose from book sets, Back to School packs, and bedding bundles, delivered directly to children and young people in our partner communities, ensuring they have what they need to succeed.
You can also shop our full collection, which includes drink bottles, notebooks, T-shirts, hoodies, and more.
Yangali Night – A special evening for Wurrumiyanga teens
Murrup’s Wurrumiyanga team recently hosted its inaugural Yangali Night – a special evening designed to pamper and uplift female teenagers in the community. ‘Yangali,’ is a Tiwi word that represents young women, and offered a safe space for relaxation, connection, and self-care activities as well as fun and food. The idea for the event was inspired by the need for a dedicated gathering space, and came to life through collaboration with the young women and the broader community.
A celebration of unity and sport
The Rugby Christmas Cup held earlier this month brought a number of communities together, including Palm Island and Woorabinda, in a spirit of sport and celebration.
The tournament provided a platform for players, families, and supporters to unite, share in the joy of rugby, and foster a sense of community pride and teamwork.
Murrup is proud to have supported this event and are even more proud that one of our staff members, Xavier Sibley, played in the Palm Island team.
Going the extra mile: Running for a cause
Over the past nine years, Janelle Da Silva (pictured right) and her running friends have laced up their running shoes and raised a staggering $100,000 for our work.
Fuelled by passion and determination, Janelle and her team have competed in running events all over Australia, including several marathons, to raise money for our work.
Thank you, Janelle, and your team, for going the extra mile to make a difference and for everyone who has donated.
You can hear more from Janelle here.
Murrup’s Wurundjeri-based staff joined friends and supporters to take part in the 16th annual Walk Against Family Violence, transforming Melbourne streets into a sea of orange.
This powerful event marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
At Murrup, we’re committed to highlighting the disproportionate impact of family violence on First Nations people and communities. Alarmingly, over 7 in 10 (72%) assault-related hospitalisations involving First Nations people are caused by family violence.
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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