Dharungol Aboriginal Corporation has started in a humble way by holding the first Blak Light Discos, a free evening of fun, food and music. 

There are plans for much larger events, something almost akin to a small festival. 

Executive Director Sherrie Aragon and her husband and project and business manager Ronnie want to partner with like-minded people and sponsors to stage more community events. 

“We want to show Indigenous kids that there are plenty of healthy ways to spend their time and that it’s OK to have fun expressing yourself in an alcohol and drug-free community event,” Mr Aragon says. 

“We want to help empower our young people to be proud of themselves.” 

He hopes to bring Aboriginal communities together to contribute to solving problems such as youth crime, poverty and anti-social behaviour. 

Blak Light Discos are culturally safe and inclusive spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged up to 17 to re-engage with community and country, foster positive relationships, and be exposed to the creative, career and lifestyle opportunities. 

Children under 10 are welcome with an accompanying adult or older sibling. 

Every Blak Light Disco starts with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, as well as traditional dancing and songs where young people are encouraged to take part. 

There are DJs or live music, and a range of activities for different age groups, including dancing prizes. 

All events are free. 

Mr Aragon empathises with Indigenous youth – he was a street kid taken in by Aboriginal people and raised as their own. 

“Many kids are on the streets at night because it’s safer than being at home, where there might be alcoholism, violence and living on welfare,” he says. 

He says that harsher punishments for crime don’t work because the young offenders have already been brutalised and are immune to further hardship. 

“They often need to be taught simple skills, such as hygiene and how to look after themselves. 

“We want them to come to us and be shown that there is help available, that they can better themselves. We want to break the cycle. 

“When I was a kid I was told that I wasn’t worth anything, but I rose above that adversity and we want to show kids that they can do the same.” 

CONTACT 

Dharungol Aboriginal Corporation 

0415433641 or 0452 516 101 

dharungolcorporation@outlook.com 

dharungol.com.au