It was under new management with a slightly different slant but this year’s Yallambee Open Day on Tuesday had the same focus as ever on Indigenous health and education in Mount Isa.
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Brilla Brilla Community Centre manager Val Hendricks welcomed visitors to the day held inside the centre and on the reserve outside and thanked all the services for their support and the back to school packs that were provided free of charge.
“It is greatly appreciated,” Ms Hendricks said.
“I’d also like to thank the residents (of Yallambee) for their support in the six months we’ve been here at the hub.”
As usual there was plenty of holiday fun for the kids on court with face and hand painting, video games, basketball and even a free back to school haircut being provided by hairdresser Marnie.
There was also raffle prizes donated by Headspace. At the Young People Ahead stall visitors could paint shoes.
Sharon Condren from YPA said the idea sprang from a Naidoc Week workshop and was an engaging way to bring kids together and express their creativity and talents.
SEE PHOTOS FROM THE 2017 EVENT HERE
Nearby schools were represented with Healy State School’s Superhero and St Joseph’s Catholic School having a stall.
St Joseph’s teacher aide Codie Kemp said Indigenous kids were a big part of the school with over 30 students enrolled.
Yallambee resident Benton Nemo gave the welcome to country and he was followed by a performance from the Kalkatunga Sundowners dancers.
Former Cowboys star Matty Bowen was also present and in a short speech he reiterated the importance of Aboriginal kids going to school and completing their education to give themselves the best chance in life.
Other organisations present included Queensland Health, QFRS, QPS, ATODS, NWRH and Youth Justice.