Dirrum Dirrum
By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
On 17 August the Mackinnon Senior School was transformed into a hive of activity, conversation, music and shared wisdom as the 2024 Dirrum Dirrum Festival got underway. The festival was the culmination of many months of work by dedicated Year 12 students who brought their own insights and flair to the festival.
This vibrant gathering of people was centred around the theme Makarrata: coming together after a struggle. One of the things that struck me was the Year 12’s commitment to using the Yolngu word makarrata including contacting the East Arnhem Regional Council to seek permission to use the word as a theme. The festival included a Welcome to Country by Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan.
Together we learnt about the struggle for Treaty, truth-telling and agreement making in Australia, the struggle to make Australia safer for all children, the struggle for peace and justice in Israel and Palestine, the struggle for accurate information in a media-saturated age, the struggle and joy in making a new home after displacement and the struggle to preserve our beautiful yet fragile planet.
Highlights of the night included multiple stall holders representing local and national organisations, an IB Art exhibition by Ellie Archer, Maya Jamali and Anna Berge, excellent speakers, and music by Wet Fish and the Oliver Stott Trio. Many thanks to all who gave their time and talents before, during and after the festival.
The Dirrum Dirrum Festival showed us what can happen when we do come together. There were many, many actions from students and staff members that made the whole evening possible.
A special mention goes to the Year 12 Dirrum cabinet Maddie Wheeldon, Will Pak Poy, Josie Holt, Charlie Rehfisch and Milly Surman-Schmidt for their hard work and vision in hosting the festival.
Here is a taste of Dirrum Dirrum Festival for those who couldn’t make it. Brooke Prentis opened the night speaking powerfully on Truth-Telling, Treaty and Justice. Brooke’s animation on Treaty is worth spending some time with. So too are the incredible sounds of Maylene Yinarr who closed the night with her soulful singing that can be found on YouTube and Soundcloud.
What a fabulous evening it was!