Strong wobbles

By Kath Gannaway
THE transition from hip hop to the wombat wobble was no problem for young singers and dancers involved in The Strengthening Project in Healesville.
The project, which aims to bring indigenous and non-indigenous children together through dance and song, was officially launched on Thursday 16 June at Sanctuary House in Badger Creek.
Project co-ordinator Aurore Fahey announced that the project, which runs the One Child Choir and The Crew hip hop dance program, is on a strong foundation with funding in place for the next three years.
“The message behind this program is caring, sharing and respect… you don’t have to be indigenous to be part of it,” she said.
The program recognises that indigenous children want to share their culture with their friends.
Aboriginal elder Auntie Dot Peters said music and dance had traditionally been part of Aboriginal culture and today, as in the past, was good for the spirit and the soul. Aboriginal singer and songwriter Johnny Huckle came from Canberra to do a workshop with the choir and dance crew who teamed up with him on stage for the launch.
Ms Fahey said it was a great honour to have Mr Huckle share his wealth of musical and life experience with the children, their parents and friends on the night.
While many of his songs are moving accounts of tough times in his life, it was his famous Wombat Wobble that stole the show.