An eight-month journey of connection, creativity, cultural appreciation, discovery and celebration for five Aboriginal young people in care, culminated in a premier screening of a creative media project at the Gawler cinema recently.

The musical media project, Into the Stars, led by the creativity of the Aboriginal young people aged four to ten years in care of Lutheran Care Foster Carers, was facilitated by media producer, Jo Zealand.

Into the Stars was brought to fruition by Lutheran Care Aboriginal Engagement Worker, Emily McConnell, while eighty people from the Lutheran Care Foster Care Village attended the premier screening celebration on 23 April 2024.

Among those who attended the screening celebration was Shaylem Wilson, who initiated the project during her former role as Lutheran Care Aboriginal Cultural Worker. Before the project was complete, Shaylem was appointed to a new position as Principal Aboriginal Advocate for the Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People.

Prior to the premier screening, Lutheran Care Foster Carer Nicky Mason reflected on the significance the project has held in the lives and hearts of young people in her care.

“It has been such a wonderful experience seeing the boys’ gain in confidence and increase their willingness to try new things and learn new skills,” Nicky said.

“This project strengthened their cultural identity and cultural awareness. Thank you to everyone involved for making a difference in the children’s lives.”

As part of Into the Stars the young people participated in storytelling, music, excursions and art over a series of workshops. Reflecting on the journey, Aboriginal Engagement Worker Emily McConnell said “I loved seeing how the kids grew throughout the project and the effort they put into being there and being part of it.”

Media producer Jo Zealand added “The kids and I had a few sessions each, to play together, to make music, to dance and to sing, and from here the storyline was developed.

“I feel privileged to have had that one on one time with them. We explored some connections to country, and with cultural mentor Bryce on board, we learnt about culture, stories and language. Those moments, especially when the group were all together, was the vital part of this project, the kids connecting to culture together.”

To respect the confidentiality of the young people participating, the project cannot be shared broadly for public viewing. However, at the premier event each little star received a framed certificate and a USB with a file of their project so that they can reflect on their journey and achievement as part of their own life story work for many years to come.

Lutheran Care is extremely proud of the five young people who ventured way out of their comfort zone to meet other young people, learn new skills, grow in cultural identity and create something amazing together.

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It takes a village to raise a child and Lutheran Care believes that a child can never have too many people love them.

Lutheran Care invites you to get in touch or register to attend an upcoming information session if you’re interested in learning more about Foster Care. The journey to fostering looks different for everyone and there is equal variety in the experience of fostering itself.

You never know where the path could take you, but Lutheran Care’s dedicated Foster Care team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Be the Village. Find out more about Foster Care.