GAMILARAAY musician Mitch Tambo has been around the country on a music and Aboriginal culture tour for Aussie school kids.

Visiting schools, learning centres and youth hubs, he said his aim with his Walanbaa youth tour was to inspire, educate and empower young minds through music and storytelling.

Now coming to a close, the tour has seen Mr Tambo perform more than 100 shows across the country.

Last week, he visited Darlington Primary, where the whole school enjoyed two hours of musical fun while learning about Aboriginal culture and language.

Mr Tambo said the positive response to the tour has been overwhelming.

“It’s heartening to see schools eagerly embracing this initiative. To effect real change in future generations, we need to challenge existing mindsets and foster cultural awareness from a young age,” he said.

“The kids have such a fun time, they are so pumped dancing and singing along to the songs, it’s a really joyful atmosphere.”

Darlington Primary students certainly connected with the whole school on their feet for most of the performance, while singing, dancing and clapping along.

His performances feature songs in his native Gamilaraay language with unforgettable didgeridoo renditions of well-known classics, encouraging student participation while they learn a new language and culture.

Mr Tambo said another goal of the tour was, drawing on his own professional experience as a social worker, to create safe spaces for open, honest conversations.

After the musical component had ended, he sat down with Darlington’s Year 6 cohort for a yarning circle, sharing any and all aspects of his own journey as the students asked questions.

“I’m very open about sharing challenges I’ve had in the past and talking about how I got to where I am today – a music artist and proud man with a wife and kids. I always say that my visits are safe spaces for important conversations,” he said.

“Children really need to believe in themselves and understand they really can achieve great things if they cultivate a positive mindset to be prepared for anything life throws at them these days.”