Mary G’s inspiring NAIDOC message

Students who participate in the Follow the Dream: Partnerships for Success program received a special visit from the queen of the Kimberley for NAIDOC Week last Thursday.

The 20-strong contingent of conscientious kids listened intently to advice given by Mark Bin Bakar – better known for his cross-dressing alias Mary G.

Bin Bakar held the attention of the teens by discussing everything from goals for the future to indigenous land rights.

“It’s important for you to know where you come from,” he said.

“You need to know where you come from before you can look to the future.”

He explained to the students they needed a plan for their lives because “time goes fast and it doesn’t wait”.

“Sometimes it’s good for you to get away from your communities because you’ll realise it’s a big world out there,” he said.

“Some Aboriginal people in this town – the only taste they get of the outside world is a slice of pizza.”

Bin Bakar rallied all present to build personal wealth, teach their families, lead by example and to make a positive change for Aboriginal people.

He asserted that drugs, domestic violence, alcohol and negativity were tearing the Aboriginal community apart.

Bin Bakar drew laughs with his response to one student’s claim he was planning to attend WAAPA (West Australian Academy of Performing Arts).

“What are you going to do,” he said.

“Are you going to work at Hungry Jacks?”

After the matter was cleared up – Bin Bakar offered help with the student’s preparation for the academy.

“I’ll lend you my leotards,” he said.

One program participant Jade Lampton, 17, said she was excited to see a celebrity who had been on television in the flesh.

She reflected on the changes that had been made in Hedland since she first arrived from Queensland eight years ago.

“I’ve been treated really well,” she said.

“There are a stack more opportunities here than there were for me in Queensland.

“I was really surprised when I arrived how many Aboriginal people were here because where I was from there were a lot of non-indigenous people and I was used to that.

“In the eight years I’ve been here NAIDOC Week has been quite a big thing, every year I think it just keeps getting bigger and better for people.”