Reconciliation Week

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:11): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Can the minister tell the council about Westport Primary School's Fringedigenous event?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:12): I thank the honourable member for his question on Westport Primary School's Fringedigenous event, and his interest in Aboriginal affairs as a long-time Chair of the former Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee.

On Friday 6 June, I had the privilege of attending the Fringedigenous event at Westport Primary School, a vibrant community celebration to mark the end of Reconciliation Week. Now into its third iteration, having started in 2021, Fringedigenous has grown into a major community event, estimated to have drawn some 2,000 attendees and showcasing the power of community, culture and creative arts.

Although the event coincided with a very heavy forecast of rain, the atmosphere was certainly one of warmth and pride. The significance of this event is demonstrated through the attendance of, as I said, a crowd of some 2,000 people, including Her Excellency the Hon. Frances Adamson AC; the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Susan Close, the member for Port Adelaide; and the education minister, the Hon. Blair Boyer, the member for Wright.

The event kicked off with a welcome to country by Uncle Moogy Sumner, and was expertly MC'd by South Australia's internationally acclaimed Aboriginal comedian, Kevin Kropinyeri, whose energy and humour set the tone for an evening filled with stand-out performances from preschoolers and students right up until year 6. Headline acts in addition to the students were Ngarrindjeri/Gunditjmara woman Katie Aspel and Arabana man Nathan May. However, the Westport students featured as the stars of the evening's program, with classes performing with confidence and pride, highlighting the school's commitment to cultural learning and engagement.

The sense of community was evident throughout with families, staff, students, elders and visitors joining together to enjoy all the performances that the students had worked so hard to present. Local indigenous businesses and artists filled the grounds with market stalls and food, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Westport Primary School has positioned this event as part of its broader commitment to cultural engagement.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is integrated into the school community through regular programming, including the Nunga Club, which I am advised is one of the school's most popular clubs, attended by many students. The Fringedigenous event aligns with Westport's stated focus on inclusion, student wellbeing and academic participation. It also provides an opportunity to bring together education, local culture and community involvement. I acknowledge Westport Primary School for organising such a fantastic event, and congratulate them on another successful Fringedigenous evening and look forward to attending in the future.