Monday 16^th September 2019

Students from Traralgon College wowed the crowd at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda last week, winning the Best Adapted Story Award for their performance Friends Unite.

Traralgon College was one of ten schools that made it through as a finalist in the Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge with their short theatrical performance about a group of young people struggling against bullies.

The awards night was the culmination of many months of hard work for the talented performers and crew.

Nineteen schools across Victoria competed in heats in Frankston, Moonee Ponds, Geelong and Bendigo to stake their place in the top ten.

Now in its sixth year, Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge is bigger and better than ever. In the past five years over 6,100 students from more than 50 schools have created performances reflecting their concerns and ideas.

Wakakirri develops young people’s creative talents – music, dance, drama and stagecraft. But it also teaches important skills that last for life like teamwork, leadership and communication.

The Andrews Labor Government is proud to be a major partner of the Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge, which connects young people to industry professionals and provides pathways to careers in the performing arts.

The Labor Government has committed to funding this unique and innovative program for another three years until December 2022.

To find out more about the Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge visit wakakirri.com. For more information on Andrews Labor Government programs for young people visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/get-involved

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“What a wonderful achievement for everyone at Traralgon College who was involved in planning, developing and delivering its award-winning performance. This is another brilliant example of how the arts can empower, provoke and inspire us.”

“We are so proud to support Wakakirri and the opportunities it creates for young artists right across our state, and to see the confidence, skill and artistry that it nurtures.”