LOCAL CHILDREN LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVES OF LIFE

Dingira Warrai, meaning “sea dance” in Kabi Kabi language, is a surf wellness program commencing this week, to help children learn life-long skills, so they can thrive and apply them in tough times.

Offered by Youturn Youth Support, 30 local children will be participating in a 7-week program, with the aim to blend traditional and contemporary Sunshine Coast culture and impart valuable knowledge on sustainability, community and health through feel-good surf dance lessons along Noosa beach.

Children and their families gather early at Noosa river mouth to learn from Kabi Kabi Custodian Lyndon Davis for land sessions, and Surf Dancer Academy coaches for surf dance and ocean skills.

Head coach Kristy Quirk has a deep respect for First Nations culture and is delighted to be working alongside Lyndon Davis and Gubbi Gubbi Dance.

“Surfdancer loves to collaborate with indigenous dancers as a holistic way to show case Surfdancing encouraging learning, connection and expression. There is something very special about bringing dance to the ocean”, Kristy Quirk said.

Youturn Engagement Manager, Susan Beaton explained that Dingira Warrai was born following an invitation to Youturn by Tewantin Dental Centre, part of Bupa’s Dental Network, to apply for a grant to deliver a wellbeing program aimed at building resilience in children. The funding was awarded through Bupa’s Community Grants program, which is focused on supporting local community organisations to build mentally healthy and resilient communities.

“The events of 2020 brought many of us back to our local neighbourhoods – coming together to talk things over, taking time for family, sharing knowledge, stories and skills – highlighting the strength in traditional First Nations ways of doing things,

“These perspectives are key to the oldest surviving culture on Earth and became the inspiration… our partners Gubbi Gubbi Dance and Surf Dancer Academy of Surf were the perfect collaboration to deliver our program vision, and we are extremely grateful to Tewantin Dental Centre for gifting local children this experience”, Susan Beaton said.

The program aims to embed traditional knowledge and skills to tackle adversity or issues such as feeling anxious, down or under pressure.

The unique mix of program elements has participants and supporters including Deputy Principal of Tewantin State School, Rick Cass, excited about the Dingira Warrai program.

“Our children who identify as either Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, are thrilled to be given this unique and fun learning opportunity – using an outdoor classroom in the early morning as a place and time to promote wellbeing is magic”, said Rick Cass.

Children learn to connect to nature, be in the moment, block out noise to stay strong, share struggles and triumphs with family and peers.

It is envisaged that these protective behaviours, the enjoyment of surfing, understanding the ocean and connection to country, will build confidence and equip children as they transition to teenagers and into adults.

To learn more about the program contact Youturn Youth Support on 5442 4277.

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