ECT starts new choir to boost Gumbaynggirr language

Early childhood teacher (ECT) Uncle Micklo Jarrett has started a new project designed to boost Gumbaynggirr language in the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. 

The Girrwaa Daguula (People Together) Choir is the work of Uncle Micklo and passionate music lover Ruth Kennedy, and will meet weekly, with people from the community welcome to join in. 

Ms Kennedy will teach the songs in English, and then Uncle Micklo will teach them in Gumbaynggirr.

“We’re excited to share our passion for music and language to create a unifying, joyous, educational experience for our community,” Ruth told local news source News Of The Area.

“They will learn to sing traditional first nations and popular songs in English and Gumbaynggirr languages.”

Ms Kennedy will lead the choir musically, drawing on her eleven years of facilitating community choirs, and her 24 years of experience as a musician and community development worker. 

Uncle Micklo, who also has a Masters in Indigenous Languages Education.Since 2014, he has been Head Aboriginal Language and Culture Trainer for the Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Nest, managed by the NSW Department of Education, and is currently Senior Education Officer for Aboriginal Languages.

Girrwaa Daguula Choir meetings will be held at the Talarm Community Hall, Talarm, from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesdays, starting on 7 February.

To find out more, contact Ruth by email at [email protected] or call 0413 288 066.

To read the original coverage of this story please see here.