During the fun-filled three hours, the children painted, put their handprints and had a “go” at playing the didgeridoo.

That instrument will be proudly on display in the foyer of the QEII Community Centre.

The workshop, meanwhile, was such a hit Aboriginal Family Worker Leanne Walklate and Muswellbrook Neighbourhood Services coordinator Skye Bennett thought it would be a great benefit for the community to apply for a grant to host a two-day seminar similar to the “taster” but more in-depth, aimed at school-aged children, primary and high.

UHCS was successful in gaining the CASP (Country Arts Support Program) Regional Arts NSW grant to run the Ridgy Didge Aboriginal Cultural Program. 

The free workshop will take place in the April school holidays – Monday and Tuesday, April 16 and 17 – at the newly-renovated Hunter Park Family Centre (HPFC) at Muswellbrook. 

Everyone in the community is welcome to attend, especially primary and high school students where participants will learn about Aboriginal culture. 

During the interactive, hands-on workshop, participants can paint traditional art on canvas, carve and decorate a didgeridoo, learn to play it and listen to dreamtime stories. 

The didgeridoo and art will be on display at Hunter Park Family Centre.

After the holidays, the participants will be encouraged to pick up their work to display at home.

For more information on this exciting school holiday program, phone Skye or Leanne on 6542 3555.