Despite BSSC students returning to remote learning, the Didgeridoo Make & Play project is going ahead, with materials delivered to participants’ doorsteps this week.
A $2000 grant from North Central Catchment Management Authority made it possible to run the project for BSSC’s young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, and to provide tools—a saw, chisel, hammer and sand paper—so the project could continue during remote learning.
Prior to COVID-19 restrictions the plan was to take the young men out on Country to yarn while talking about and learning to play the didge. Instead, Koori Education Support Officer, Simon Penrose, created a YouTube video explaining how the wood is sourced with traditional owner permission and how to make a didgeridoo from scratch.
The aim is that during remote learning students will get their didge to the stage of being ready to paint and decorate.
Down the track, Uncle Paul Chapman will instruct them how to play and more importantly will share many stories connected to life and the Yidaki (didgeridoo).