The SEMESTER 2 2014 Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation Congratulations to Dion and Jerol Wunungmurra

Semester Two 2014 was highlighted by the fantastic achievement of two of our students graduating from Year 12. Dion and Jerol have been part of the Foundation since 2012 and we are very proud of them and what they have accomplished during the last 3 years. We are also very proud of them for deciding to return to Geelong next year and continue their endeavors to become Aboriginal Health Workers. [ Below is a short article by Jerol about the St. Joseph’s College Graduation Mass, for which Dions and Jerols’ parents flew down to attend:

On the 19th of October 2014, the second week of school in Term 4, Dion’s parents and my dad came down to Geelong. They drove to Gove from Gapuwiyak and stayed in town. The next day they went to Gove airport and they flew from Gove to Cairns and 2 hours later they flew to Melbourne. Dion and I woke up early morning and Cam drove us to Gull bus. We checked in then the bus driver drove us to Tullamarine. We only waited for about 5 minutes then we saw them arrive. We caught the Skybus to Southern Cross and waited for the others in the city. We were performing at the Melbourne Festival that day. After the festival finished we caught a train back to Geelong. Dad was staying with me and Dion and his mum and dad were staying at Narana Cultural Centre.

On Monday we went to St. Joseph’s College to meet up with the teachers. They were really great to our parents and happy to see them. It was Celebration Day and all the boys were dressed up in costume as movie characters. We were at St. Joseph’s College all day. We had lunch at the cricket pavilion then we had to walk around the school where all the year level and teachers watched the parade.

Then we all got changed into our school uniform for the Graduation mass that started at 7pm. We had the Welcome to Country and then my dad and I, Dion and his dad, Yirrmal, Raven and Cam did a traditional dance. After that Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys performed a song called ‘Mayangan’, which means “Hope for the future”. When my name was called up I went up to get my certificate. My dad was really proud of what I had achieved.

Next year I am going to study again to be an Aboriginal Health worker.

Written by Jerol

SEMESTER 2 2014

Birregurra Art and Music Festival Melbourne Festival

Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys were a hit at the The Melbourne Festival ran for a couple of weeks in Birregurra Music Festival in October this year. It different venues around the city. The lads were asked th was a beautiful day, which brought a big crowd to perform at the Foxtel Hub on October 19 . It was a along, and the lads did nothing less than impress lovely day and there were lots of people out and yet again. It was a great family weekend and about to see some great live music. Yirrmal and the organisers have already asked Yirrmal and the Yolngu boys played their hearts out, receiving a great Yolngu Boys to return in 2015. Write it in your reception from the audience. It was an extra special diaries and get along next year. event as Dion’s mum and dad and Jerol’s dad, who were down for their sons’ Graduation Ceremonies, were able to witness a fantastic performance.

Certificate 2 – Conservation and Land Management Yirrmal’s first year of uni at NMIT Mid-way through this year the Marrma’ Rom Two Yirrmal took a grand step this year in completing his Worlds Foundation sat down with St. Joseph’s first year of tertiary education at NMIT, North College and discussed some pathways that needed Melbourne Institute of Technology. Yirrmal found to be established for the students’ coming down the practical subjects (Vocal Recital and Group and entering the program. One of these pathways Ensemble) in the Certificate 3 in Music relatively was a practical option for those students that were easy, however the Theory was ‘like learning a whole interested in the outdoors and possibly a career as a new language’. Steve Teakle, who tutored him every Ranger when they returned home to their Wednesday in theory and piano, generously communities. Elcho Island and Yirrkala both have supported Yirrmal. All the hard work paid off and great Ranger programs and potential for these lads Yirrmal is looking forward to the Diploma in Music to be employed in this area. With consultation with next year and has his sights set on the VCA in 2016. Raven and Mabo, it was decided that they volunteer to work each Wednesday with Greening Australia as an introduction to the Certificate 2 in Conservation and Land Management. Throughout Term 3 they worked at various sites and this has now lead Raven to continue next year and complete the Certificate as part of his Year 12 studies. He will do the theory aspect every Monday afternoon at the Gordon Tafe and every Wednesday will be out in the field. The other 3 students starting the program in 2015 will Right: Yirrmal with Barry Morgan also take part in this school based traineeship. (Steve Teakle)

SEMESTER 2 2014 Other Performances in Semester 2 - 2014 Millenium Chorus – Hamer Hall, MONA – Hobart, City of Yarra – Town Hall, Yirrkala We planned to limit the number of performances for Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys in 2014 as things got pretty hectic last year. This was to allow Yirrmal to concentrate on his tertiary studies in Melbourne. It was such a big challenge for him, one that had its ups and downs, and he did very well to complete the course as well as juggle a number of performances throughout the semester. We also didn’t want to overload the other lads as they were busy at school and their weekends were generally booked up with footy. In saying that there are a few performances that are worth mentioning: • In August they performed with the Millenium Chorus at Hamer Hall in the Arts Centre in Melbourne. • In September Yirrmal travelled back to Yirrkala to perform as a support act to East Journey in front of his family and community for NAIDOC week. • In November they performed at a special event for City of Yarra at the Richmond Town Hall. This event was on Yirrmal’s 21st birthday and his mum and dad were present. • Finally, Yirrmal travelled to Hobart with his mum and dad and performed at an event for Tourism Australia at MONA. Yirrmal’s father, Witiyana, joined him around a campfire and entertained important guests in the food and wine industry for an hour and a half. Witiyana, being the charismatic singer and dancer from Yothu Yindi, regaled the crowd with stories about culture and joined Yirrmal in dancing and performing songs of the land.

Click on this promotional clip to see more about the event. Witiyana and Yirrmal star briefly.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152495093923450&set=vb.266724958449&type=2&theater

Footy at Newtown Written by Raven Marika

I had a great time playing football in Geelong for Newtown and Chilwell Under 18’s with the other 3 boys from Arnhem Land. I didn’t play all the games because in holidays I went back home for 2 weeks. I also missed a game and was grounded for a weekend because of smoking (Raven and Mabo were grounded for one week for continuing to break the strict ‘No Smoking’ policy of the MRF). My teammates were disappointed in me.

I played in Grand Final at Simonds Stadium against St. Mary’s but we lost by 41 points. I played well in the 3rd quarter. I kicked 5 goals and I missed 1. The boys felt sad but it was really great game.

SEMESTER 2 2014

Shearwater Festival (Phillip Island) & Queenscliff Music Festival The third Shearwater Festival held on Phillip Island on November 22nd and 23rd brought the community together in a creative, cultural and environmental celebration of the short tailed shearwaters that are presently nesting on the island before flying to Canada. Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys were invited to take part in the Sunday Concert at the Cowes Cultural Centre and come between Kutcha Edwards and Archie Roach. The small venue was filled to capaciy and the audience were thrilled by a powerful performance, calling for an encore and giving the lads a standing ovation.

The Shearwater Festival was our second last festival for the year and proved to be a good warm up for the Queenscliff Music Festival, as shown by this excerpt from a review ‘Queenscliff Music Festival blurs line between young blood and old-timers’ which appeared in The Age newspaper:

“Arnhem Land's Yirrmal and The Yolngu Boys' set included original Young Blood (inspired by a conversation with Archie Roach). QMF favourites, Yirrmal and his cousins look set to be role models for young men across the country” Chris Lambie December 01, 2014

Yirrmal and the Yolngu boys gave arguably their finest performance at the 2014 Queenscliff Music Festival. This was the final show for the year and followed a busy couple of months so the band were honed and tight and delivered a seamless 45 minute set of mostly original songs, capped off with a couple of Yothu Yindi covers. The audience was right behind the lads, clapping and cheering to Yirrmal’s explanation of ‘Young Blood’ (which he wrote with Neil Murray) and his summary of all their fantastic achievements at school and university this year.

Raven’s bass has improved dramatically over the last 12 months and he was in perfect sync with Yirrmal, as were all the boys. Jerol’s beat on the Cajon and traditional dancing were strong and proud. Dion’s voice lessons this year at St Joseph’s have given him strength and confidence and he sounded beautiful whether singing the manikay ceremonial parts of songs or harmonising with Yirrmal on the chorus. Yirrmal has taken his guitar playing to another level but it’s his vocals that set him apart from all others. He has an ability to connect with the audience – a genuine “X factor”, and he gives 100% to every performance, even for a sound check. It was a fitting way to end the fine year.

SEMESTER 2 2014

Garma Festival 2014 - Written by Dion Wunungmurra

On the 30th July Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys flew to Garma Festival through Darwin way. When we got to Darwin we collected our bags and our instruments and caught a mini bus taxi to where Cam’s friends live. When we got there we borrowed a Land cruiser and Cam took us to where we were staying. We dropped all our stuff at the hotel, had a quick shower and then went to Darwin Casuarina shopping centre. After shopping Cam drove us to his other friends’ place to have a BBQ and then we performed our songs. Everyone was enjoying and had fun.

The next morning, Friday 31st July, we went to the Darwin ALPA store. They support the Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation. We met with them there and performed a couple of songs. They all liked it. In the evening we all went to Darwin airport and flew to Gove. When we arrived at Gove there were too many people heading to Garma Festival. There were 3 buses heading to Garma. When we collected our instruments and bags we then caught a bus to Gulkula. It takes 30 minutes to drive. The Garma Festival of traditional culture is an annual festival that is held in North East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. It is a celebration of the cultural inheritance of the Yolngu people.

The festival started on 1st August and finished on 4th August. At the festival there are lots of people that come from different countries and there are different activities going on during the day. We all had fun at Garma with our family and friends. Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys performance was on the Sunday. We performed in front of our families and friends and all the crowd. Our families were very proud of us. It was hard performing in front of everyone we knew but it was a great performance and we were all really happy. We flew home through Cairns way the next day. Newtown & Chilwell Football Club

Dion, Jerol, Mabo and Raven played footy with the Newtown and Chilwell Football Club this year. At the start of the year they decided to make the move from St. Mary’s Football Club as they have a lot of mates at Newtown and a very good relationship with the coach, Jono Holt. It was a great decision to move as they had a really great year and played some fantastic footy.

The U/18 Division 1 team made the Grand Final and Raven and Mabo were picked to play in the GF at Simmonds Stadium. Unfortunately Newtown weren’t quite good enough on the day. They had recorded a couple of great wins over St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s leading in to the final, however St. Mary’s Football club were too strong on the day.

A huge thank you to the Newtown Footy Club, in particular Jono Holt and David Wojincski, for their support of the lads throughout the season. The lads felt really comfortable around the club and learnt a lot from the staff involved with the U/18 team. Raven came 3rd in the Best and Fairest count and won the Most Improved award, and looks to have a promising future in the game if he continues to improve and perform the way he did this year.

SEMESTER 2 2014 Yirrmal Interview – Forte Magazine

“Music is in our blood, it connects us up with our family. When we sing it’s like we’re calling our ancestors.” Meet Yirrmal Marika, a leader in the new generation of Indigenous artists. He is an inspiring young musician and singer-songwriter performing as a solo artist and within a group, Yirrmal & the Yolngu Boys. “When we sing, we sing with our hearts,” Yirrmal affirms. “It helps us to relate to our culture. We blend traditional Aboriginal songs with contemporary western music.”

When Yirrmal talks of music in his blood, he means it quite literally. His father, Witiyana Marika, was a key member of the trailblazing band Yothu Yindi, and on his mother’s side he’s related to Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Yirrmal’s raw talent was noticed early on: “I first started performing at thirteen years old with my school band back in Yirrkala [North East Arnhem Land]. It was there that I built my confidence and decided I was ready to go to the next level – writing and performing my own songs.”

Not long after that, his talent, maturity and strength of character were recognised by his school and by Elders in his home community, and Yirrmal was selected for the Leadership Program offered by the Geelong-based Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation. Established in 2011, the foundation (that translates to ‘two worlds, two cultures or two belief systems’ in Yolngu Matha, the language of the people of Arnhem Land) aims to empower the next generation of young men to become role models in their community.

“It’s a not-for-profit organisation that encourages Indigenous youth to walk confidently in both worlds and gain independence, knowledge and skills,” explained CEO Cam Begg. As a former teacher at various schools in remote NT communities, Begg is a passionate supporter of Indigenous education. Now a teacher in Geelong, he is also Yirrmal’s manager. “This is Yirrmal’s fourth year in the program. He spent the first few years in Geelong with us and now he’s on campus at NMIT.”

Yirrmal has continued to thrive in his studies and musical endeavours, though he admits feeling homesick now and again. “When I first came down to Geelong from Yirrkala, it was very hard being away from home. It really was like a whole new world, but now I am finding it much easier … I understand things more,” Yirrmal divulged. “I do like studying at NMIT and I love my music courses, but it is very hard!” Yirrmal said with a smile. The importance of education is not lost on Yirrmal, something he hopes to share through his music.

“Education is the key to opening up the world!” Yirrmal recognises. “It’s important to understand the culture of your tribe, but also to see that you can live in both worlds, go forward and have a future. “I see a lot of Indigenous kids back at home, hanging around all night. I see them go to school with no breakfast, and they can’t pay attention at school. It’s very overwhelming. I want to spread the word through music – live your life but go to school, get an education.

“I’m learning all the time. I really wanted to play piano and I met Barry Morgan [comedian Stephen Teakle] at the Woodford Festival. He came over to see my show, and even though my guitar was out of tune (which he fixed for me), he loved it! We met after the show, became friends and now he’s mentoring me on music theory!” he laughed. “I also want to gain experience from professional songwriters. At the moment I’ve co-written some demos with [prolific songwriter] Shane Howard and Neil Murray [who wrote APRA ‘Song of the Year’ ‘My Island Home’], but I’d love to work with Gotye and Uncle Archie [Roach].”

SEMESTER 2 2014 Interview continued……

Yirrmal hasn’t written anything with Archie yet, but it’s definitely on the cards,” Begg confirms. “We’re doing something again with Shane and Neil early next year, then we’ll put out an EP mid-next year.”

If you can’t wait ’til then, Yirrmal’s debut single Deep Blue Sea is out now. And don’t miss the chance to catch Yirrmal & the Yolngu Boys at this year’s Birregurra Music Festival where Yirrmal will be joined by the Yolngu Boys – Dion Wunungmurra, Jerol Wunungmurra, Mabo Mununggurritj and Raven Marika. Their performances have been described as refreshing and uplifting, as they mash up traditional Yolngu Manikay ceremonial songs with modern music. Backed by the bass and percussion instruments, they dance, sing and play the didge. Expect an engaging and visually exciting performance. By Natalie Rogers Photos: Ferne Millen Photography Highlights of 2014 – Written by Raven Marika

I have been in Geelong for about a year. Since I arrived I have been staying with Cameron and Melissa and their babies Archie and Lola. I have also been staying with 3 other indigenous boys from Arnhem Land. The school I go to is St Joseph’s College in Geelong where I have just completed Year 11. When I first arrived at St Joseph’s I felt worried about, what class might be like? What the kids might be like? What would happen if they didn’t like me? I worried about nothing, because everything worked out fine. My two best subjects are Physical Education and English. The hardest thing I had to do was to get confident when talking to people, now I find it easier to do because I know people.

One of the best things that happened to me was performing at the Garma Festival which was held at Gulkula in north eastern Arnhem Land in August. The band, which is called Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys, travelled to Darwin first, stayed overnight, then flew to Nhulunbuy. Once we landed at Nhulunbuy we drove through the night and arrived at Gulkula about half an hour later. We only played once on Sunday, but it was exciting and I was nervous because there was a big crowd and the family members were watching. We don’t normally play for our families, I was under pressure. The best thing is we all played well and the crowd loved it. I would love to go back up there again and play, because it makes me and my family happy.

The band has also played to big crowds in Victoria, such as Port Fairy Folk Festival. We played in a big tent and once again we played well and the crowd was happy. We also had are chance to watch other bands which was pretty good. There are plenty of good musicians around all playing different music. Everybody was friendly.

One of my favourite things to do is to play footy. I play for Newtown under 18s. I played in a Grand Final this year against St Mary’s, I was happy with the way I played because I kicked five goals, however we lost. The whole team was very disappointed. The next day we had presentations and I came 3rd in the club’s best and fairest. I also received the award for the most improved player.

I have enjoyed my time down south. I have met plenty of people and made new friends. The things that have happened to me made me a little unhappy at the start, but my advice to other boys who come down is “education is good and don’t give up”.

SEMESTER 2 2014

Songwriting with mentors Shane and Neil

Guidance and support in the cut throat music industry is worth its weight in gold and Yirrmal has been very fortunate to be mentored this year by two legends in the business - Shane Howard and Neil Murray. Over a number of sessions with each Yirrmal has co-written and recorded demos of 10 songs, from which he will choose 4 or 5 for an EP. All the co-writes have been well received by audiences at the festivals this year so we are all keen to get back into the studio in February and hope to release the EP mid-2015.

Special celebrations in 2014: Yirrmal’s 21st birthday Arrival of Lola Anne Begg On November 13 Yirrmal turned 21. We organised to th On the 20 of July we welcomed Lola Anne into our meet him for lunch near NMIT where he was still family. She is a beautiful little girl, adored by Archie, attending class. Unbeknown to him we had flown his Melissa, Cam and the lads. The boys came up to the mum and dad, Rita and Witiyana, down. The surprise hospital to meet her and gave her the Yolngu name went perfectly and there was much laughter and “Munbi”. She is strong, sleeping pretty well and emotion when Witi and Rita crept up behind Yirrmal in already super keen to crawl. We are now a family of 8 the café. That marked the start of a busy long weekend and will expand to 11 in 2015 with the addition of 3 for them as the lads performed at the Richmond Town new students. It is looking like a mini bus is required! Hall on the Thursday night, Witiyana and Yirrmal performed in Hobart on Friday night and then we had a birthday party for Yirrmal in Geelong on the Saturday night.

SEMESTER 2 2014 What to look forward to in 2015 So 2014 is coming to a close and what a year it has been. Our first student completed a year of Higher Education and two students graduated from Year 12.

Next year the Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation will expand to 7 students. Yirrmal, Dion and Jerol will move from the nest into their own house in Geelong. Yirrmal will study a Diploma in Music at Oxygen Music College and Dion and Jerol will continue their Certificate 3 in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care at VACCHO, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. Raven will return to complete Year 12 and he is excited to be enrolled in the Certificate 2 in Conservation and Land Management course through Greening Australia. His subjects at St. Joseph’s are Outdoor Ed, Product and Design, English, Maths and RE. Three new students will come down and join Raven in the flat below our house and enter Year 10 and Year 11 at St. Joseph’s College.

2015 performances planned for Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys in 2015 include a trip to Western Australia to perform at the Nannup Music Festival and the Water to Water Festival on the Mornington Peninsula. Yirrmal will join the Black Arm Band and travel to Tasmania to perform in Hobart and Launceston in March, and then to Singapore and Taipei in August to perform at music festivals over there. Cam will join him on these trips. Would you like to help? Studio Recording 2015 As you can see Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys have been The Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation is a grass working hard on their music performance and this will roots not-for-profit charity that is striving to make a peak next year when Yirrmal records an EP. Yirrmal has difference in the lives of these young men. You can be enough tracks to make a CD however it has been decided a part of this. If you are able to make a donation you to move slowly and start with an EP and back this up with are assured that your money will go directly towards a mini tour. Yirrmal will be supported by Shane Howard, empowering the future leaders of Arnhem Land. Neil Murray, Steve Teakle and the Yolngu Boys on the EP.

Donations can be made via: Yirrmal is very excited about this, and so are we. It is a fantastic experience to look forward to, and a very costly 1) Our website www.mrf2worlds.org.au one. If you would like to help out in anyway please Click on ‘Support Us’. contact Cam. Your help would be appreciated. Choose from one of the sponsorship packages.

2) Direct Debit Online Acc Name: M Rom Foundation BSB: 033 208 Acc No: 294 352

Please write your name as the reference and email us so we can send you a tax receipt: EMAIL: [email protected]

3) Cheque payable to Marrma’ Rom Foundation The Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation would Send to PO BOX 3039, Waurn Ponds, 3216 like to thank the following sponsors… ALPA – Arnhem Land Progress Association Cam Begg Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation CEO Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Foundation Bardas Foundation 0421 797 536 Fouress Foundation www.mrf2worlds.org.au Leaders of Tomorrow [email protected] Geelong West Rotary Incorporation No. IA 03012 ABN 97 619 011 257 And to all the generous people who have donated Marrma’ Rom Newsletter #5 throughout the year. Semester 2 2014 We couldn’t do it without you.