A group of local secondary students has come into its stride in recent years with some spellbinding performances of traditional Australian didgeridoo music.
The “Didge Boys” – a talented septet of seniors at Bellbird Park State Secondary College – has been growing up over the years along with their school, forming in its first year when the school consisted only of Year 7 students.
They are now a fully fledged ensemble and put in hours of practice to prove it.
“Every Tuesday, Period 3, the boys come to the school’s Culture Hub to connect and practice,” the school said on its Facebook page.
Former teacher Mr Nathan Meredith began the Didge Group when Bellbird Park first opened a few years ago.
“He built and encouraged a space of cultural knowledge and connection for our First Nation boys,” the school explained.
“Sadly, Mr Meredith has now moved onto another school, leaving his legacy behind.”
Since his departure, the boys have taken the initiative to run the sessions themselves – with help and support from Community Education Counsellor Tyeka Close and Youth Support Coordinator Jacques Borreye – demonstrating their maturity.
“Bellbird Park State Secondary College is proud to continue building on this legacy, and giving the First Nations boys the opportunity to discover cultural knowledge, empowerment, brotherhood, and leadership through this sacred practice,” the school added.
One of Queensland’s newest secondary schools, opening in January 2017 to Year 7 students only, uniquely it has been growing an additional year-level at a time, until this year, when its first ever Year 12s will graduate.
Founding Principal Michael West said one the school’s biggest goals is to share their achievements with the community, like the Didge Boys.
“Bellbird Park State Secondary College is passionate about your children – our students,” Mr West said.
“Together, this educational partnership will determine future success, not only for our students, but for our global future.”
Bellbird Park State Secondary College is a co-ed school for students in Years 7 to 12, and is located at 2 Alesana Drive, Bellbird Park.
For more information, visit the website at bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au or contact the school on 3819 7222 or by email at principal@bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au.
Image: Bellbird Park State Secondary College.
