Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) has announced its community grant program recipients for 2023/24, with opportunities to connect to Aboriginal culture a clear focus.

Two of this year’s four grant recipients, Ngalla Yorga Waangkan Aboriginal Corporation (NYWAC) and Warnbro Primary School, will use their grant funding to run Aboriginal cultural programs.

NYWAC will present a series of events for local Aboriginal Elders, in collaboration with Moorditj Kulungar Playgroup and other local schools, to acknowledge dates of significance for the Aboriginal community. The activities will vary from bush walks to collective arts/crafts, and it will be an opportunity for cultural knowledge and skills sharing across all age groups

Warnbro Primary School will host a workshop with renowned Noongar artists to share an immersive learning experience with 260 students (10 per cent of which identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander). Building upon their current education practices, the incursion will celebrate Noongar language and culture across the entire school, encouraging Aboriginal students to yirra yaak (stand tall) amongst their peers.

The other two FY24 recipients, City of Rockingham Libraries’ Girls in STEM program and Naragebup – Rockingham Regional Environment Centre, will provide important education and environment programs and services to the region.

Deputy Principal of Warnbro Primary School Andrea Crockenberg said the grant will enable the school community to benefit significantly from the cultural knowledge shared by the artists.

“In particular, our Aboriginal students will draw from the experience in a significant way. We are a small primary school, but have been proud to prioritise cultural awareness and look forward to watching our Moorditj Koolangar (strong children) further develop their understanding and connection to Noongar culture with this activity.” Ms Crockenberg said.

“The Kaartjijin (learning) and empowerment inspired by these artists will be felt first-hand by students of all ages, fostering a deeper curiosity and significance to culture, language and Aboriginal perspectives in our classrooms. More families will have the opportunity to be included in this learning, ensuring our walk is a shared one within our school.”

WesCEF’s next grant program will run in late 2024.

The four grants were awarded to:

1. Warnbro Primary School to Fund an arts and cultural workshop delivered by Noongar artists.
2. Ngalla Yorga Waangkan Aboriginal Corporation Funding intergenerational cultural activities for Aboriginal women and families in the Kwinana area.
3. Naragebup – Rockingham Regional Environment Centre for the continued support operations for their loggerhead turtle rehabilitation program.
4. City of Rockingham Libraries to continue to support for the ‘Girls in STEM’ extended program workshops for primary school aged girls.

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