The Woorabinda community will officially launch its anti-violence mascot Koora the kangaroo on Monday. The mascot will be used to spread the non-violence message to children aged from pre-school to Year 7.

Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Director Heather Nancarrow (pictured) said the program reflected strong links to the Aboriginal culture. “Woorabinda means ‘kangaroo sit down’, which indicates a peaceful location, sought out as a place of rest. This has been translated into the program because local cultural details have been used to revive respect and attitudes that reject violence in the community,” she said.

“Koora is a male kangaroo - he is the big buck and leader who guides his group. Koora spreads messages of non-violence to the children through contemporary and traditional story telling, art, song and dance.

“His stories explore respectful and cooperative ways of solving problems and highlight themes of respect for self, culture and elders, reconnection with Aboriginal culture and cultural pride.” Proposed stages of the program include classroom and teaching resources that relate to Education Queensland curriculum. Story books and lesson plans incorporating drama, dance, art, music and craft will be used. .

Ms Nancarrow hoped community Elders and key community people would present activities to the children.

“Broader goals of the program include encouraging reconnection with culture and developing a sense of pride and hope by shaping a school ethos of non-violence and supporting the wider community to challenge attitudes that normalise family violence.” QCPFDV will be involved in evaluating its impact within the school community. Ms Nancarrow expected the program would offer insights and models relevant to other Indigenous communities.

The program was initiated by Woorabinda Women’s Shelter Co-ordinator Ailsa Weasal and is supported by the Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Woorabinda State School Principal Angela Douglas and the Central Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service. .

Activities throughout the day include a community rally, traditional dances and an evening of entertainment.