Red Dust Role Models recently delivered a week-long Healthy Living Program in Gunbalanya, working with Transition to Senior students through circus, music, drumming, games and movement. The program was designed to build relationships, confidence and engagement, culminating in a vibrant whole-school showcase that celebrated students’ strengths and participation.

Across the week, play, rhythm and movement became powerful tools for connection. With strong involvement from Indigenous facilitators and classroom teachers, activities were delivered in a safe, inclusive and strengths-based way — particularly supporting students who often sit on the margins of group activities.

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Joy, Trust and Shared Moments

High-energy drumming sessions and team games such as Seeing the Light quickly became favourites. There was visible joy as students experienced circus skills for the first time — spinning plates, devil and flower sticks — with many wide eyes and big smiles as the “magic and wonder” of circus came to life.

Some of the most meaningful moments were small but powerful: children choosing to sit close, asking facilitators “what’s your name?”, and engaging with bright, open smiles. These moments reflected growing trust and connection. During drumming sessions, when whole groups began to find the rhythm together, the shared focus and sound were incredibly powerful to witness.

Teacher engagement was a standout feature of the week. By joining in activities and modelling participation, teachers helped strengthen a sense of safety and fun. Their involvement reinforced that play is not only allowed, but valued — creating an environment where students felt more confident to take part.

For Senior students, splitting boys and girls into separate groups for the final session led to improved engagement and allowed facilitators to provide more tailored support.

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Trying New Things and Building Confidence

Throughout the program, students explored new interests including:

• Circus skills (spinning plates, devil and flower sticks)
• Drumming and rhythm games
• Hula hoops and dance circle activities

Attendance remained strong from Transition through to Senior Years. Teachers reported that some younger students who usually sit out or refuse to join activities began participating — especially when sessions were playful, low-pressure and supported by local role models.

The week concluded with a whole-school assembly and showcase, where approximately 80 students confidently demonstrated the skills they had been practising. This public celebration highlighted increased confidence, pride and willingness to participate in strengths-based activities.

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Colour, Community and Celebration

One of the biggest highlights was the Colour Run, which brought together students, teachers and community members. The energy was electric as students ran laps of the oval non-stop for around 30 minutes, laughing, cheering and completely ecstatic. It was a true whole-community moment of celebration and movement.

Across the week, the program supported:

• A stronger sense of play as a safe way to connect, express emotions and build relationships
• Increased engagement from students who often sit out or avoid activities
• Positive memories and relationships, with students learning facilitators’ names and seeing them as safe, supportive adults

The Healthy Living Program in Gunbalanya reinforced the power of movement, music and play to build connection — and reminded us that when young people feel safe, supported and celebrated, incredible things happen.

Programs like our Healthy Living Week in Gunbalanya are only possible with the support of people who believe in the power of connection, play and positive role models. Every donation helps us return to communities, build strong relationships with young people, and create safe, joyful spaces where students can move, learn and thrive.

Your support enables us to deliver strengths-based programs that spark confidence, encourage participation and leave lasting positive memories for students who need it most.

Donate today and help us continue bringing movement, music and meaningful connection to young people across remote communities.