Creative Cast

Re-formed – Protocols and partnerships: the Maliyan Mob story

In this episode, Creative Arts curriculum advisor Alex Papasavvas speaks with teachers Anni Gifford and Miriam O’Rance from James Fallon High School, ex-student Shanaya Quinn, and Duncan Smith OAM and Jakida Smith from Wiradjuri Echoes Consultancy. Listen to a deep discussion about how the school worked with Wiradjuri Echoes to establish Maliyan Mob, a student-led Aboriginal dance group, and the Cultural Protocols developed and followed throughout this successful long-term partnership.Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred. This podcast contains the name of a deceased person.To learn more, visit our resource Cultural Protocols and practices in Creative Arts or join the Creative Arts statewide staffroom.

Bigger than the song - Nancy Bates

In this episode, Creative arts curriculum advisor Jackie King and Aboriginal Education Advisor Dominique Higgins are joined by Barkindji Song Woman Nancy Bates to discuss her song "I Belong: As I Walk on My Country" which is the first song to be studied in the Stage 4 unit Bigger than the song. The discussion reveals the story behind the song, and also the permissions and protocols Nancy would like teachers and students to consider when engaging with her song in the classroom. The Bigger than the song unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026. Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred.

Bigger than the song - Bayala Aboriginal Corporation

In this episode, Creative arts curriculum advisor Jackie King and Aboriginal Education Advisor Dominique Higgins are joined by Dharug Knowledge Holders Jasmine Seymour and Debbie Smith from the Bayala Aboriginal Corporation. They are actively involved in Dharug language research, curriculum development, community teaching, and the broader revitalisation movement, with work grounded in cultural responsibility, community authority, and the collective care required to ensure Dharug continues to grow for future generations. Their songs “Yanma Ngurrawa” and “Ngarra Badhu,” are included in the Stage 4 unit Bigger than the song and we discuss the Language, story, protocols and permissions for teachers and students to learn these songs. Bigger than the song unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026. Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred.

Bigger than the song - Emma Donovan

In this episode, Creative arts curriculum advisor Jackie King and Aboriginal Education Advisor Dominique Higgins are joined by Gumbaynggirr, Yamatji and Noongar singer and songwriter, Emma Donovan to discuss her songs ‘Warrell Creek’ and ‘Mob March’ which are to be studied in the Stage 4 unit Bigger than the song. The discussion reveals the story behind the songs and Emma’s collaboration with The Putbacks, and also the permissions and protocols Emma would like teachers and students to consider when engaging with her songs in the classroom. Bigger than the song unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026. Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred.

Bigger than the song - Jacinta Tobin

In this episode, Creative arts curriculum advisor Jackie King and Aboriginal Education Advisor Dominique Higgins are joined by Dr Aunty Jacinta Tobin who is a proud Dharug descendant of mixed heritage. In the Stage 4 unit Bigger than the Song, students will investigate Jacinta’s work with The Preatures on the song Yanada and explore the process of their collaboration. This discussion unpacks Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and the importance of following Cultural protocols and seeking permissions when engaging with Aboriginal Language and story. Bigger than the song unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026. Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred.