The children and Educators at Ballykin Mosman were excited to welcome Joshua Toomey to our centre as part of our Ballykin First Nations Program. The program is designed to give the children an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their culture.

Josh played his didgeridoo for the children and discussed how it is played as an important part of his Wiradjuri culture. The children were very engaged as they tried to guess which Australian animal sound was being made by Josh. They were also delighted to hear their own names being added to the music he was playing on his wonderful didgeridoo. Thanks Josh and please come back soon!

About Josh… in his own words

“I am a proud Wiradjuri man from Dubbo in central-western NSW, and a witty storyteller. From completing high school with poor numeracy and literacy skills, I have faced many battles, some of my own doing. I have faced life head on and strived at all times to become a better person and role model for my family and community.

My passion for developing others is reflected in my personal goal to be of a new brand of leader and stand for the idea of change. Through my actions, this is achievable. I am committed to continuing my mission to motivate other Indigenous Australians into empowering their lives as a means of creating positive and sustainable change within our communities.

With my strong communication skills, support network, self-determination and ability to motivate and encourage others, I have transformed my own life over the last nine years and the lives of many other young Aboriginal people from disadvantaged educational and social backgrounds.

We must walk together to achieve this change.”

Josh Toomey is the Indigenous Engagement Manager at ARA Indigenous Services.

Connect with Josh via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-toomey-1b9641b1/