WAKAKIRRI NATIONAL AMBASSADORS

Wakakirri enjoys the support of some of Australia’s leading industry professionals who give their time as part of our National Panel to encourage the next performing arts generation. Wakakirri Ambassadors partner with Wakakirri in various ways including participating in Performing Arts Careers Day, mentoring workshops and activities on Show Days, appearing in Waka TV, marketing and advocacy.

Emma Watkins

Kat Hoyos

Andrew McFarlane

Wayne Scott Kermond

Todd McKenney

Michala Banas

Justine Clarke

Jason Coleman

OUTCOMES

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Students experience the feeling of achievement and intense satisfaction that comes from creating something significant
Encourages personal growth including resilience and acceptance of responsibility
Engagement in rehearsals and performance fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship
Performing onstage in front of an audience creates lifelong memories and improves students’ self-esteem

ARTS EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM

Schools that lack resources to deliver arts curriculum are provided with an equitable and accessible option that builds their internal capacity
Develops creative and innovative thinking
Students develop a deeper understanding of their story theme through the process of creating and sharing their Story-Dance
Provides a positive life experience that fosters a lifelong love of art

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Engages students to explore and develop a deeper understanding of social issues relevant to them
Provides a platform for students to express their views and share them with a large audience
Teaches agency when advocating for a meaningful topic
Promotes respect, empathy and awareness of cultural diversity, human rights & sustainability
Establishes identity and a sense of engagement with society

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Encourages enthusiasm for learning through creativity
Increases school pride, strengthens student relationships, builds community within the school
Opportunities for students to accept responsibility and demonstrate leadership
Fosters student inclusion, there are roles for a broad range of physical and creative skills
Provides an opportunity to explore career pathways and develop career aspirations

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

Introduces new forms of physical expression including various dance or dramatic movement forms
Provides a fun alternative to traditional PE or sport and similarly fosters physical fitness
Provides student recognition at an inter-school level similar to district sports carnivals
Students learn the value of physical inclusiveness and that people of all abilities can contribute to the team effort

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Provides a hands-on experimential learning approach that actively engages students in sustainable practices
Enables students to respect and embrace difference, and to establish identity and a sense of engagement with society
Promotes cross cultural appreciation, valuation of their own and other communities ideas

THE WAKAKIRRI STORY-DANCE ASSOCIATION INC.

The WSDAI Committee is governed by individuals from business, the arts and education sectors. As an incorporated association, the WSDAI produces an annual report and is publicly accountable.

WHAT IS THE WSDAI?

The WSDAI is a not-for-profit organisation (since 2004) that uses storytelling, the oldest form of learning, as its focus for providing innovative educational programs to schools in a manner that resonates with contemporary youth culture.

WHAT DOES WAKAKIRRI MEAN?

The Aboriginal word Wakakirri means ‘to dance’ according to the Wangaaypuwan people from Cobar NSW. It was chosen to give the event a distinctly Australian feel.

OUR AIM

The WSDAI presents the Wakakirri Challenge to provide an education program for schools that develops student engagement and wellbeing through the sharing of stories and participation in the performing arts.

MEET THE WSDAI COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Wakakirri Story-Dance Association Incorporated Committee (WSDAI) is made up of independent board members from business, the Arts and education sectors. As an incorporated association, Wakakirri produces an annual report and is publicly accountable. Annual Reports: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017

Adam Loxley

Festival Director

Darren Tasker

Committee President

Kristen Douglas

Festival Patron

Matthew Samuel

Committee Vice President

Professor Tom Calma AO

Festival Patron

Valerie Harrold

Committee Member

Gerry Gilchrist

Committee Treasurer

Francesca Veitch

Secretary