Congratulations to Cooper and Jackson, who recently completed the 10-week Cultural Coolamon and Clapstick program delivered by TAFE Wellington

The 10-week course presented a fantastic opportunity for capacity building, social and community participation, and a chance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants to re-engage with their culture, Elders, and community.  

During the course, Cooper and Jackson, who access NDIS Disability Support Services in Wellington with Bamara, learned of the significance of coolamons and clapsticks and how to make their very own from natural materials found right here on Country.  

With the guidance of community elder Aunty Anita, the boys and their fellow students were taken out on Wiradjuri country to gather the raw materials for making the coolamons and clapsticks.  

They decorated their clapsticks, as shown below, with woodburning and paintings featuring traditional dot painting for Jackson, and a wedgetail eagle, goanna, and New Zealand Fish Hook for Cooper. It was an opportunity to express their culture and their creativity in a way that was significant to them.  

During their graduation ceremony, Cooper and Jackson showcased their beautifully crafted clapsticks, beaming with pride and excited to show off their hard work to friends and family.

They were presented with a Certificate of Completion and TAFE Statement in Aboriginal Engagement and Employment Skills Coolamon and Clapsticks, had a delicious morning tea, and Jackson had the honour of cutting the pavlova.

Jackson (left), Bamara Support Worker Chantelle Towney (middle) and Cooper (right)

Not only was this opportunity significant for re-engaging the boys to culture, but completing the course was a huge milestone for their own personal journeys of growth and confidence.  

“I love seeing how proud they are and hearing about how much they loved the course. It was a great experience for them to obtain knowledge of their heritage. We’re all incredibly proud of their achievements,” said Chantelle Towney, Bamara support worker.

We thank the team at TAFE Wellington for the opportunity, and we hope to see Cooper and Jackson continue to flourish with us.

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Bamara is a registered provider of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We have an experienced local team, who know the area, and will strive to assist you in reaching your goals, whether they are big or small.

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