In the heart of Gunbalanya, an event unfolded that not only celebrated the community's culture but also showcased the talents and unity of the younger generations.

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This event was Gunbalanya's Culture Week, a time dedicated to honouring traditions, learning, and coming together. The Red Dust team: Jimmy Ivill, Rhys De La Cruz, Allirah Fisher, Stefan Carillo, were fortunate enough to join in on the celebrations, capturing the spirit of the week through the universal language of dance.

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The team aimed to create not just one, but two dance videos with the students at Gunbalanya School. While one video focused on featuring the students' dance performances, the other aimed to encapsulate the week and all the activities. The drive behind this was to create a lasting tribute to the event and offer a glimpse into Gunbalanya’s culture week.  

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Rhys and Allirah took the lead in dance facilitation, guiding students through the steps, rhythms, and expressions. Over the course of the week, the young dancers built a strong sense of confidence, working together to create multiple dance routines together.

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Stefan, on the other hand, dedicated his efforts to the filming aspect, ensuring every moment was captured. Beyond just filming, Stefan's gave the students a rundown on the use of the filming equipment, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to tell their own stories through the lens.

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The culmination of Culture Week was marked by a whole community gathering at the school to celebrate. This event featured a massive cook-up, including Magpie Geese, Barramundi, Kangaroo tail, Buffalo, and more, allowing community to come together and reflect on culture, family and their home.

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Among the week's highlights were several activities that fostered both learning and enjoyment. These included cooking sessions, visits to the local Youth Hub for afternoon sports, and coordinated Gunbalanya School classes during Culture Week, where each class presented different aspects of local culture.

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The highlight for many was Friday morning's whole school dance, a performance that saw the entire school dance in unison. The dance was not just a performance but a powerful statement of identity and community pride.

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Despite the week concluding, the memories will live on. The dance and Culture Week videos have now been uploaded on the Gunbalanya School Facebook page, ensuring the memories, messages, and event continue to inspire and resonate. These videos celebrate the students' hard work, the community's unity, and the unique beauty of Gunbalanya.

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Through dance, collaboration, and the celebration of culture, the week emphasised the enduring power of community, culture, and the arts to bring people together, bridging the past with the present and future.

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