In 2017, the idea for a Koorie Homework Club in Brimbank was put forward by Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke, Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO), Department of Education and Training and local Brimbank artist and resident. In 2018 the program, with support from Jo Trevathan, the Community Arts Participation Officer began delivery.
The Koorie Homework Club held weekly catch ups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (years 3-6) or tutoring (secondary or tertiary students). It was a safe space for children to catch up on their homework and take part in cultural activities. The program included invited Koorie guests throughout the year. There were 5 outcomes for the program:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students engaged in quality learning opportunities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students engaged in quality arts opportunities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students engaged in cultural opportunities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students achieving at school
- STACC is a welcoming, culturally safe and child safe venue
Over the years, the program delivered a range of opportunities and projects including:
- Transport partnership with Council
- Partnership with Edmund Rice Community & Refugee Services
- NAIDOC Week Because Of Her We Can Photography project
- World Environment Day – Growling Grass Frogs project
- Staff support by the Department of Education and Training
- Creative Spirits – Maps, Picnic and BBQ at Sunvale Park
- Isaiah Firebrace, Spirit and Beyond workshop
- Aunty Jean Mason (Aboriginal Elder) Guest Artist
- Darren Turner (Aboriginal community member) ran the Indigenous Games
- Little Long Walk annual Reconciliation Week project
- Art and food deliveries during lockdown
- Yarning with Elders – online with Uncle Boots, Aunty Joyce, Aunty Pauline
- Narrup Rangers project
- Growing Plants for Country project
- Jahneya Travis as Facilitator
- Uncle Boots and Aunty Joyce mural project
- HART Awards
- Be Bold Blakout performance night
- Young, Blak and Deadly arts careers development program
- Geography of Home mapping project
- Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre planting project
- Carey Street playground planting project
- Partnership with the Department of Education and Training
- NAIDOC Flag Raising
- Curbside Carnies circus project
- NAIDOC – Annual Watergardens art exhibition
The Koorie Homework Club completed its delivery in 2023, with a focus to move into further support for the Young, Blak & Deadly program.
Program Facilitators: Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke, Jahneya Travis, Leisha Lyons, Karina Webster, Stefany Branjanovski and Jo Trevathan
