Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
Natinal Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Childrens Day
Good morning,
Today, we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day and the theme is 'Proud in culture, strong in spirit'. Discover more here.
Starwin was founded in 2010, with the vision to develop champions in sport, life and community. Over the years our mantra and vision have shifted, but unwavering is our commitment to creating change for community, so (all) children can live their dreams. Caring for kids is front and centre in all we do and part of our one-of-a-kindness 2021 Vision: The Power of One.
So today, we share with you some of the ways we can live and celebrate this message and keep culture strong, each and every day.
Our facebook page is always full of ideas for caring for little ones too and we invite you to keep connected as we celebrate some special events in community this week.
In 2019, we had the privilige of connected with Cairns based Mumpreneur, Lia Pa’apa’a, founder of Plant Based Native. Lia worked at our Port Douglas site as part of our Artists in Residence initiative. In 2020, Lia took a new journey, and Ngamumu grew. Here is their story...
"Ngamumu (For Mothers) is a multi art form creative and cultural platform to support mothers, babies and their families during the first 1000 days. We explore indigenous parenting and cultural practices to create culturally specific resources that are intergenerational, nourishing and creative for participants. Ngamumu creates and holds spaces to engage with cultural and accessible ways for parents to implement arts and cultural practices into their everyday lives. By supporting mothers we develop holistic foundations for healthy babies and families.
Created by mothers and artists Merindi Schrieber (Kuku Yalanji) and Lia Pa’apa’a (Samoan/ Luiseño), Ngamumu is a creative and cultural response to our experience as mothers. As global first nations women, there were often times during the first 1000 days where we felt like we needed cultural practices to mark different times or support the changes that were taking place for us as mothers and for our babies. Not finding this in the western medical system, we decided to create a space that brought mamas, nanas and aunties together to share, learn and support each other."
We encourage you to check out the series of conversations about growing up little ones on their site. This series also features Juan from Walkabout Culture Adventures who we partner with. Discover more here.
In Darwin, on Larrakia land, during NAIDOC Week some special people were recognised for an outstanding contribution to community and personal achievement. We would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners, event organisers and everyone that made the gala ball an event to remember.
Extra special mention goes to young Tiwi leader, Casmira Tipiloura, who was awarded NAIDOC Youth of the Year.
We had the honour of seeing Cosi grow on her journey, as the first student to graduate at Xavier Catholic Collegewith a tertiary entrance score and then go on to pursue her Early Childhood studies and qualifications. During this time she initiated Storytime at Starwin sessions and was an ambassador for Relationships Australia promoting caring for kids.
She has played football in the NTFL, first for Wanderers and then this season with the Tiwi Bombers.
When we coordinated the Tiwi Youth Girls Leadership program for Tiwi Bombers, Cosi was a constant volunteer and role model. She then went on as a young mum to also travel and lead the way on our ADF programs.
She now works at Xavier Catholic College, as an Assistant Teacher, and this year, also stepped up onto the schools Leadership Team.
A celebrated artist, her line of Pinyama tees and totes were a sold out collection at our Darwin store. She also had the honour of being a Queens Baton Relay torch bearer.
Last year she also spent time with us in Port Douglas, learning the business here.
We love her work, and so secretly nominated her, and we are beyond pleased to see this surprise for her! A win, for her, her daughter, family and the entire Tiwi Islands community. A shining Tapalinga (star), CONGRATULATIONS Cosi!
Ps. Looking superbly stunning in an outfit from our Higher Attire for Young Stars initiative. Big thank you to Sharniqua for making this happen.
'It was the tiniest thing I decided to put my whole life into'...
