School Rocks With Christine Anu!

Merimbula Public School was abuzz with excitement on Monday, with the talented Christine Anu attending their 2019 NADOC Week Assembly.

The event kicked off with Aunty Colleen Dixon giving the Welcome to Country. Principal Ms Michelle Hulme also acknowledged country, Aunty Colleen and the late respected elder and community leader Aunty Margaret Rose Dixon, before introducing Christine Anu to share her new performance "In Conversation and Song", supported by guitarist Raymund Shek.

Christine shared stories about her childhood in the Torres Strait Islands, and taught the students some of her language. Before long the hall was singing and dancing alongside Christine to songs in language as well as her 1995 hits 'Party' and 'My Island Home'.

"The Merimbula Public School kids were vibrant, energetic and engaged" shared Christine. "Their grasp of the language, the language songs and dances was wonderful. I walked out feeling like I've got a brand new school who can speak my language, who have embraced my culture".

Later that day, Christine performed an entertaining rock-style concert at Eden Marine High School to a packed hall of students. staff and community members. 

One of the highlights of the Eden performance was Year 9 student Nikea Hayes being called on stage to sing with Christine. Christine sang back-up for the talented local who belted out a beautiful version of 'My Island Home'.

"Having the opportunity for Nikea's peers to see her sing alongside one of her idols, singing 'that famous song' really made her day" shared Christine, who loved singing with and meeting the up and coming talented young artist.

Christine and Raymund loved having the opportunity to be taken to what they said were some of the "best eateries the Sapphire Coast has to offer". They dined at Vicolo on Sunday evening, with school representatives, as well as, elders and members of the Bega and Eden communities. They chatted with locals in Merimbula's Waterfront Cafe on Monday morning and sampled oysters from Wheelers for lunch.

Christine shared that she would be taking home some special memories to treasure and that she would love to keep coming back, following making some special friendships. Christine is planning to showcase Merimbula and the surrounding communities on her ABC Radio show in the near future. 

"This was such an amazing way to celebrate NAIDOC Week" shared Merimbula Public School Principal Michelle Hulme. NAIDOC week wil be celebrated July 7-14.