This year’s Fergus Thomson OAM Heritage Award went to something a little different …

On Wednesday 23 October, Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher presented the award to Narooma Public School’s music teacher Michelle Garcia and Aboriginal education officer Lynne Thomas for their song ‘Country Comes First’.

The song and film clip were born from Narooma Public School’s collaborative program, Music and Creative Culture. The program integrates local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, languages, and music.

Ms Thomas, who is a traditional fire stick knowledge holder, worked with Ms Garcia on the lyrics to incorporate messaging of putting country first. Together, through music, they shared the importance of protecting the environment using Indigenous cool-burning practices. The songs also paid tribute to the heritage and political activism of local leaders such as Guboo Ted Thomas (Lynne’s father) and Percy Mumbler, whose efforts led to the handback of significant cultural sites.

Ms Garcia said about 300 students learned lyrics and dances to ‘Country Comes First’ and a second song ’Yilaga Bidhu’.  

“It was a year’s work to write two songs, collaborate with community and check accuracy,” Ms Garcia said.

“We appreciate this award so much. The kids absolutely love learning language through music, and we’ll put the money into next year’s project.”

Mayor Hatcher congratulated winners, saying their work was “truly remarkable”.

“They went to extraordinary efforts to blend education, culture and environmental awareness through music,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“By incorporating dhurga language and teaching the younger generation about sacred sites and wildlife, ‘Country Comes First’ carries forward a legacy of preservation and respect. Michelle and Lynne are a truly deserving duo of the $1,500 Fergus Thomson Heritage Award.”

Watch the film clip on Narooma Public School’s Facebook page.

About the award:

Fergus Thomson was Eurobodalla’s first popularly elected mayor and remained a councillor until his passing in 2015. Throughout, he was a passionate advocate for the protection of culture and country, with deep ties to the local Aboriginal community. Previous award winners include local military historian Gary Traynor and Kevin Setter who is a local researcher and author. Find out more about the award on Council’s website.