Community
17 October, 2024
Growing from disaster
YOUNG people affected by cyclone Jasper and the floods that followed, are being given the opportunity to “find their voice” through creativity in a new program launched in Mossman.
The project, called Kuku Bakal Kaykayanda (Giving words to all the children), aims to support young people by fostering resilience and promoting healing through creative engagement.
Led by the Creative Recovery Network Tropical North partnership, Kuku Bakal Kaykayanda is working in Mossman, Daintree Coast, Rossville, Cooktown and the Bloomfield Valley, which includes Wujal Wujal, Degarra, and Ayton.
The project uses songwriting, circus, digital media, dance and public art to appeal to a wide range of young people and provide a cultural and creative safe place to engage, unpack experiences and find collaborative solutions and visions for sustainable futures.
“Kuku Bakal Kaykayanda represents a vital opportunity for young people to not only heal from the impact of recent disasters, but also to shape the future of their communities,” executive officer of Creative Recovery Network Scotia Monkivitch said.
For project manager Waratah Nicholls, the consequence of trauma from disaster events can change the trajectory of young people’s lives, impacting relationship building, mental health, education and employment.
“Giving these children and young people opportunities to have a voice in their communities makes them feel valued and empowered to contribute to disaster prevention, preparedness, community recovery and rebuilding post-disaster,” she said.
The project also represented a new collaboration of groups under the banner of the Creative Recovery Network Tropical North, which included Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, Creative Recovery Network, Regional Arts Services Network, Douglas Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Wujal Wujal Elders Justice Group, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council, local schools, health networks, and community outreach organisations.
“This project enables the coming together of councils, creatives and service providers across the three regions. This is a new and exciting development for a stronger future for the region,” Ms Nicholls said.
