Busking for Change

Busking For Change

Busking for Change is a national fundraising event created to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). It encourages students, schools, and communities to use music to make a difference by singing, playing instruments, or performing to raise money. The ILF is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve literacy levels in remote First Nations communities across Australia. They provide books written in both English and First Languages, run storytelling workshops, and support community-led literacy programs. Through Busking for Change, participants not only celebrate music and culture but also help the ILF share the joy of reading and preserve Indigenous languages and stories for future generations.

This year the song written by Josh Pyke, Justine Clarke, Dobby and Tehya Makani to celebrate Indigenous culture and language is ‘Country Tells Us When…’. The song “Country Tells Us When” is about the deep connection First Nations people have with the land and how nature guides their way of life. It explains that the land, animals, plants, and seasons all give signs about when to do certain things, like hunting, fishing, or gathering food. Instead of using calendars, people listen to and observe Country to know when it’s time to act. The song reminds us that Country is alive and full of knowledge — it teaches, guides, and cares for the people who respect it. It celebrates the wisdom of living in harmony with nature and understanding the messages that Country shares.

How can you support this very important cause?

Wednesday 12th November 8.30am the school choir will be performing ‘Country Tells Us When…’ outside the front office during morning drop offs. Our FIRE Carrier leaders will be out the front collecting money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Friday 14th November 3pm the school choir will be performing ‘Country Tells Us When…’ during assembly. The FIRE Carrier leaders will be ready to collect any change you might have to support the cause.