Let’s come together.
To share and celebrate Indigenous culture. To inspire and empower young Aboriginal people. To take pride in our past and forge a brighter future.
What do we do at
Corroboree for Life?
Corroboree for Life is a safe, welcoming community where our mob can come together to learn about Aboriginal culture.
Guided by local Wadjak/Balardong elders, we challenge perceptions, nurture pride and knowledge, and change lives. Through dance, arts and performance. Through mentorship and employment. Through self-empowerment.
Dance
workshops
Youth
programs
Acknowledgement
of country
Mentorship programs
Employment pathways
Dance and cultural workshops.
Boorloo Hustle is our cultural workshop, delivered by incredible Aboriginal facilitators and key stakeholders within the community.
In addition to teaching basic cultural knowledge, such as language, traditional dance and stories, the program encourages and enables young people – often ‘at risk’ kids – to produce a music video, live performance or Talent Quest.
Just as importantly, it’s about creating a sense of belonging, peace, love and connection for young people who may not have experienced it before.
Ceremonies and acknowledgements of country.
We’re asked to conduct smoke ceremonies, Yidiki (didgeridoo) performances and acknowledgment of country ceremonies, as well as traditional and contemporary dance shows, across Boorloo (Perth) and beyond.
From our first corroboree at the 2018 ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park) to our performances at Optus Stadium, we’re proud to share our culture.
Mentorship and employment pathways.
By connecting young Aboriginal people with elders and their culture, we’re creating a sense of belonging and pride that’s truly life-changing.
Beyond this, we also connect young people with our community partners – including Aboriginal-owned and operated businesses like Gather Hospitality Group and Eon Protection – opening up a host of education and employment opportunities.
The Indigenous employment rate is 49% compared to 75% for non-Indigenous Australians.
Closing The Gap Report 2020
What do we do
Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is a respectful public statement that recognises the Traditional Custodians of the land on which an event or gathering is taking place. It pays tribute to their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture, and it acknowledges their ongoing role in caring for Country. I personally, like to educate and teach in a fun interactive way through the local language (e.g. can everybody say kaya?).
Depending on the event, I like to keep my Acknowledgement in context with the purpose of the event or gathering — whether it’s a school performance, cultural workshop, or ceremony — so that it feels genuine and connected to what’s happening in that space.
Traditional Dance Performance
Traditional dance performance includes didj play, storytelling and song – we perform, and each dance tells a story whether that is about connection to country, the animals, or show the relationship between people and Country.
I like to interact with the audience and let them know the purpose of why we dance the way we do and tell the stories of the old people. Fun, interactive and educational. We usually perform for important gatherings, events, ceremonies.
Our dance group usually consists of our next generation of young people.
Didgeridoo Performance
The didgeridoo (Yidiki) is a traditional instrument. Traditionally used in ceremonies, dance, and storytelling, the didgeridoo carries cultural meaning and spiritual energy. This offering can be played as a part of an Acknowledgement, dance performance, or functions such as weddings, events etc – it can be used to enhance the experience for on-lookers.
The Yidiki tells stories, mimics animals sound and supports dance/ceremony performance. Also, the rhythmic, resonant sounds of the didgeridoo reflect the heartbeat of the land, reinforcing the spiritual connection to Country.
Traditional Dance Workshops
We offer a range of workshop offerings including traditional dance or dance routine performance. This can include a once off workshop or a series of workshops depending on what is required. We usually say 1 hour per session and each workshop has an intention and purpose.
In most cases these workshops are offered at schools or community centre where there is a group of young people.
Workshop covers, Traditional language, dance and performance ready and can be implemented in assembly or performance at the school. Aim to empower young people creating leaders
Smoking Ceremony
A smoking ceremony is a traditional ceremonial practice that involves burning native (medicinal) plants to produce smoke. The smoke is a cleansing of bad spirit, and the intention is to invite good spirit to that location or individual people. Promoting healing and bringing people together.
Usually conducted at important gatherings, events, ceremonies and ultimately shows respect to the culture.
Our story.
Corroboree for Life was founded in 2018 by proud Noongar man Ash (Garlett) Penfold. Since then, under Ash’s guidance and with the support of elders and our partners, our community organisation has grown and diversified.
We offer young Aboriginal people more opportunities. To learn about our culture and share it with pride. To build their skills and confidence. To empower themselves.
Aboriginal Australians are 10 times more likely to be imprisoned and four times more likely to take their own life than non-Indigenous Australians.
SABS Causes of Death 2018 report
Meet Ash,
our founder.
Ash has cultural ties to Wadjak, Ballardong, Goreng (Katanning/Gnowangerup), Wongi Wangkathaa – Kalgoorlie, France and England. And he’s passionate about making a difference in the lives of Aboriginal people..
“Growing up as an Aboriginal person, I experienced bullying, a sense of alienation, racism, family domestic violence, depression and suicidal ideation. It was inevitable that my life was on a pathway of destruction – a pattern we see in our communities today, especially among our young people.
“What was missing was a sense of belonging to a community and a connection to culture. This is what inspired me to create Corroboree for Life.”
“A young person said to me, ‘I’m sad our session is over because I have to wait a whole week for the next one.’ In that moment I realised we’re changing the lives of these young people.” Corroboree for Life founder Ash (Garlett) Penfold
Say kaya!
If you’d like to learn more about our workshops, book us for your event or join us as a mentor or employment partner, we’d love to get together.
Call us or drop us a line below.
Call
0419552667
ash@corroboreeforlife.com