Noongar youth group to present song in honour of elders at Great Southern Aboriginal Leadership Conference

A special song composed by the Moorditj Yorgas in collaboration with local acoustic duo RnB Soul Train will feature at the Great Southern Aboriginal Leadership Conference taking place at the Albany Entertainment Centre next week. The conference will be hosted by Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation and KAC chief executive Stuart Roberts said the forum would bring regional Great Southern Noongar communities together to share information and ideas. “In a lot of decisions, a lot of the focus ends up on Albany,” Mr Roberts said. “Through the conference, what we’ve been able to do is bring the region together under the one roof and ensure that everybody has an opportunity to get information, get key information, and interact. “They are then able to take that information back to their communities and share.” The theme of this year’s conference is opportunity and the Kadadjiny Girls Youth Group leapt at the chance to write a song celebrating the 2023 NAIDOC theme For Our Elders and perform as the Moorditj Yorgas. KAC youth engagement officer Roimata Keepa-Tibble said the songwriting journey was informed by teamwork, respect and appreciation. “The chorus — in the beginning, there were knowledgeable elders that always brought joy to our lives, they love to tell stories about culture and history, now we know where we came from — echoes that sentiment,” she said. “This powerful message sparked the girls’ creativity and they poured their hearts into their journals, crafting their own thoughtful notes.” Ranging in age from 10-13 years old, the Moorditj Yorgas’ exploration of culture and identity forms the framework of the song that honours their Noongar elders. “Their personal reflections became the heart and soul of the first and second verses, as well as the captivating bridge,” Ms Keepa-Tibble said. “It’s a testament to the incredible spirit and talent of these young girls, shining a light on the invaluable wisdom and love of their elders.”