Hip-hop star in line for award

South Hedland youth Torekana Bule-Turner has been announced as a finalist in the WA Youth Awards for his involvement in the local community.

“Tore”, as the 12-year-old is known to friends and family, spends his Friday nights teaching at-risk young people dance and hip-hop through youth outreach program The Hood.

He first got involved in the program about three years ago, and had loved helping out ever since.

“Kids come off the streets and it’s a chance for them to let it all out,” Tore said. “Hip hop is something everyone relates to …you don’t have to be good, you just feel the music and go with it.”

Tore spends another two nights each week helping teach taekwondo, in which he has a black belt, to young people.

“At taekwondo I help with teaching the white belts and the yellow belts,” he said.

“It’s really fun, it’s cool seeing the kids smile when they learn a new kick or get something for the first time.”

Tore, who is also the head boy at Baler Primary School, is set to head to Bali to compete in taekwondo, and will be in the national competition in September.

Tim Turner, Tore’s father, said he was almost lost for words at how proud he was of his son.

“He’s volunteered over 2000 hours of his time over the past few years … and it’s not just those hours, it’s the extra time he’ll spend helping the kids out who are struggling or falling behind,” he said.

“He’s built up a bit of a reputation as a hip-hop star around town, which I think he really loves.

“It’s important for the kids involved in these programs to have a role model, someone to look up to, and that’s exactly what Tore is.”

The winners will be announced at the WA Youth Awards gala ceremony on April 19 at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth.