Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People are advised that this story contains the name of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has passed away.

Stepping into the spotlight at the Manning Entertainment Centre was a proud moment for Taree Public School’s singers during last year’s Australian Childrens’ Music Foundation (ACMF) Rotary Benefit Concert.

It was the students’ first time performing their song ‘Biripi’ to a crowded auditorium, but Taree Public principal Di Murray said, as always, their ACMF tutor Matt Zarb had their backs.

“The night that they were performing at the ACMF Benefit concert, they were so nervous,” Mrs Murray said.

“Mr Zarb and his band supported them on stage to ensure that they were not out there by themselves.

“The audience loved it, there was clapping, whistling and cheering.”

As with other local ACMF projects, the ‘Biripi’ recording was sung by Taree Public School students, who also created a music video.

The song itself is about being proud: of the Biripi country shaped by the rivers, waterways and the saltwater, of the strong Biripi shark and being Biripi people with a sacred language, Gathang, and culture.

It also acknowledges the importance of Elders and their learning and knowledge, even name-checking well-known local Elder Russell ‘Uncle Russ’ Saunders.

Mr Zarb has taught music at Taree Public School as an ACMF tutor for 12 years and has seen many positive changes connected to language and culture over that time.

“When Uncle Russ does a ‘Welcome to Country’ he always invites everyone from all cultures to walk together, which is one of the main themes with the song,” the musician said.

“The future is in the hands of the children, and the constant work of the Elders and teachers at Taree Public is proving that Closing the Gap really is possible.”

Touchingly, the project is dedicated to the honour and memory of ‘the most beautiful, strong, proud Biripi man’, Jay Davis, who was a popular and passionate advocate for the revival of Gathang language and Biripi culture.

Mr Davis received the Nanga Mai Award for Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal Languages in 2018 and was Senior Leader Community Engagement at Taree High School until he became severely unwell before passing away in 2021.

The growth in knowledge and understanding of Biripi culture in Taree public schools is one of his legacies.

“All the children use elements of the Gathang language on a day-to-day basis,” Mr Zarb said”

“Jay Davis is pictured in the video and was one of the driving forces to bring the nearly lost language back into the community.”

The video also features Taree Public School’s Djarii dance group, which is made up of Aboriginal students in Years 3-6 and is led by the school’s Aboriginal Education Officer, Aunty Toni Baxter, and an SLSO, Jack Bailey.

“Matty Zarb, our ACMF tutor, is a strong advocate for the local Biripi Aboriginal culture,” Mrs Murray said.

“He was keen to guide and assist the students to write a song that encompassed information about the language, Elders and history.”

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation has been active on the Mid North Coast since 2013, bringing free music lessons to students who would otherwise miss out.

ACMF currently works with seven public primary schools in the Manning Valley, and was founded by former Play School presenter and OAM, Don Spencer.