Aboriginal students at Narooma High School recently participated in a two‑day music and wellbeing workshop designed to strengthen mental health, cultural identity and connection through creative expression.  

Delivered in partnership by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN, Katungul Aboriginal Corporation and proud Yuin and Thunghutti rapper Nooky, the workshop engaged 15 students from years 7 to 10, providing a culturally safe environment where young people were supported to express themselves through music, storytelling and creativity. 

Working together, students created original music and lyrics that reflected local stories, culture and identify before producing a music video showcasing their creative achievements. The workshop also helped build confidence, strengthen connections and increase engagement with school. 

The program was led by Nooky, host of Triple J’s Blak Out, founder of Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors and member of the ARIA award-winning collaborative hip-hop group 3%.   

Nooky shared his personal journey with students and spoke about the importance of mentorship, resilience and cultural pride. He shared how creative expression through music can be a positive pathway for healing, leadership and connection. “I want to help kids to see what they can be, to show them there’s a few pathways they can take and to give them tools to go out and achieve their dreams,” said Nooky. 

Each day commenced with a health and wellbeing session delivered by Katungul Aboriginal Corporation’s Community Programs team, led by Tash Brunhuber. The sessions took a holistic approach to wellbeing, covering physical, emotional and spiritual health, while also providing information about preventative health care, including immunisations, and local support services available to young people and their families. 

Narooma High School Executive Principal, Tracy Scobie said it was inspiring to see every student's enthusiasm and genuine enjoyment as they got involved in each step of the process. 

"The pride on their faces was unmistakable, and it was clear they felt valued and empowered by the creative experience. 

"One of the most impressive outcomes was a noticeable improvement in school attendance during the project. Students looked forward to being at school each day, eager to be part of something new and exciting. There was a real buzz right across our school, with students, staff, and families all talking positively about the project and its impact," she said. 

Ms Scobie added: "This project had a lasting effect on our school community, creating memories and connections that continue to inspire us." 

Tash Brunhuber from Katungul Aboriginal Corporation’s Community Programs team said, "It was unreal to watch the project unfold. Nooky’s skills as a performer and artist paired with the kids’ energy worked perfectly. Everybody was able to contribute in their own way from lyric writing to musical talent through to motivating and inspiring confidence in each other.  

“On the first day the young people were shy to engage in creating a song together and recording their voices, but by the end of the day the young people were supporting each other and encouraging each other to get out of their comfort zones. The young people were singing together and the vibe in the room was great. 

"By the end of day two the young people were totally comfortable with the space of being creative and came together as one to complete the film clip and recording. They really showed resilience and growth within the two days, and I am grateful I was able to experience it with them.   

“We would love to see more of this style of youth engagement in the schools," added Ms Brunhuber. 

This initiative forms part of COORDINARE’s ongoing commitment to preventative, culturally responsive approaches that support Aboriginal young people’s wellbeing through creative and community‑led engagement. 

COORDINARE works in partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations to reduce health inequities and support improved health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal young people across the region. Learn more about COORDINARE’s Aboriginal health initiatives here.  

Watch the music video created through the workshops here.