Ten-year-old Dekiyah Groves and 11-year-old Olivia Wighton were invited to NSW Parliament and had a private audience with Premier Chris Minns, Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Counter-Terrorism Edmond Atalla, Youth Justice Minister Jihad Dib, Police Minister Yasmin Catley, and Families and Communities Minister Kate Washington. Photo: Supplied.
The chaotic, bustling halls of the NSW Parliament recently fell silent to hear what two young voices from the Riverina had to say.
Wagga Wagga’s Dekiyah Groves, 10, and Olivia Wighton, 11, members of the Wollundry Dreaming First Nation hub, were selected to visit NSW Parliament House following a local talent show at which they read their powerful personal speeches in the form of poems.
“My poem was about how we help little black kids embrace their culture and be proud of it,” Olivia said.
“My speech was about my uncle in state care,” Dekiyah said.
Olivia said that thanks to the opportunities provided by the hub, their speeches caught the attention of Member for Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, and they were invited to visit parliament.
The girls said it meant a lot for them to have their voices heard in parliament and the most memorable moment of their visit was when they delivered their speeches during Question Time.
“When Dr Joe McGirr stood up and said, ‘Can everyone please be quiet? These people have come a long way to share their speeches’, that was the most powerful part,” Olivia said.
“After that, everyone went silent and agreed there should be more hubs.
“And then, when our speeches were read, everyone was quiet and amazed. We received heaps of congratulations.”
Dekiyah Groves and Olivia Wighton’s speeches were read during Question Time. Photo: Supplied.
The girls’ words of hope were read by Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Counter-Terrorism Edmond Atalla, who visited the Wolloundry hub a few weeks ago.
“We were privileged to witness a talent show where the children shared speeches, cultural dance and artwork reflecting their connections to family and Country,” Mr Atalla said.
“We were inspired by the speeches given by Olivia and Dee, who are both in the gallery. Olivia spoke about the values she learned from the hub, and I quote: ‘This is what it means to me: respect and kindness to not only the people around you but also yourself and the beautiful world that we live in’.
“Dee gave an inspiring speech about her aspirations for the future. She said, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a youth worker. I want to help make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal young people. I have seen firsthand how hard it can be for young people. My uncle is in state care. It makes me feel sad and worried. I wish I can help him, and I want to help others like him.’
“These inspiring words highlight how programs such as those delivered at the Wollundry youth hub are working and helping to divert young people away from the justice system.”
Following Question Time, the girls had a private audience with Premier Chris Minns, Mr Atalla, Youth Justice Minister Jihad Dib, Police Minister Yasmin Catley, and Families and Communities Minister Kate Washington.
The girls said the hub encouraged them to explore their culture and identity.
“We get to go to the river, do Aboriginal dancing, speak in language, and hear from elders,” Dekiyah shared.
Olivia’s mother, Ellen Wighton, expressed her pride in the girls’ achievements, their trip to parliament, and being heard.
“Seeing these young ladies feel heard and have their names read out in parliament — it’s something really major and special,” Ellen said.
“It’s a keepsake of what they’ve achieved. I never had opportunities like this.
“I was lucky to go to a youth group when I was younger, but having role models who attended these events and seeing other kids go on to do great things made me think, ‘Maybe that could happen for me one day.’
“All I care about is having them exposed to different opportunities.”
Ellen said the Wollundry Dreaming First Nation hub was vital for Wagga.
“The hub is so powerful because there aren’t many like it in Wagga with passionate workers who are more than happy to do that extra bit for the kids,” she said.
“As a mum, I love it because they get to feel heard, but then I can have quiet time and catch up, because I work full time too.
“They (the hub) provide meals, and the kids get to pick what they want to do.”
