The joint project between Kalano Aboriginal Community and Territory Families today had young people equipped with tools to create a didgeridoo from scratch. 

Come Friday, the Indigenous instruments will be ready to paint. 

There might even be an opportunity for some to learn how to play. 

Event organiser Jamie Ah-Fat said the sessions provided an activity that is interesting to young Indigenous people. 

“It is making them respect themselves by making didgeridoos,” Mr Ah-Fat said. 

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“It is part of them, it is part of our culture,” he said. 

The workshops also provided an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to experience Indigenous culture. 

“We hope that everyone involved will take home a didgeridoo as well as knowledge and a great experience,” Mr Ah-Fat said. 

The project started over a week ago when Mr Ah-Fat and six at-risk Indigenous youth travelled to Barunga to source Gombolo, a native white gum perfect for making didgeridoos. 

“Today is about smoothing them out and hollowing the tree trunk,” Mr Ah-Fat said. 

“Making a didgeridoo is a time consuming activity, there is a lot of work involved. Barking, skinning, chiseling, rasping and shaping all comes before painting,” he said. 

“But the end product will be well worth it.” 

Territory Families Peter Fletcher said while this is the first time the organisations had hosted a didgeridoo workshop, the interest had been huge. 

“It has been a great way to provide cultural education these school holidays,” Mr Fletcher said. 

“We are looking forward to Friday to see what the kids come up with as their end products,” he said. 

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