Students from nine schools and two day care centres performed in an inclusive eisteddfod style competition for both Indigenous and and non-Indigenous students.

Coordinating the event for the eighth time, Kinross Wolaroi School Indigenous support worker Corey McLean said it had really grown in the last couple of years.

He said while it’s technically a competition, it’s more about showcasing what students have been learning with their schools and giving non-indigenous children a chance to learn about the culture.

“If they’re dancing they learn the protocol on what they can and cannot do,” he said.

Kinross had 10 year 7-10 girls perform a traditional dance taught to them by Aunty Alice Williams and Mary Croaker.

“I know our students really look forward to it. We record all of the acts and as soon as we get back to school they want to see their dance.”

Senior students competed for the Jason French NAIROC Shield while the juniors participated for the Pam Boney NAIROC Shield. 

A panel of judges decided the winners based on a set of criteria, which includes how well the dance related to the theme, costume and ‘deadliness’ – which is NAIROC for ‘entertainment factor’.

Cooper Cooke-Williams was one of the Orange Public School students who performed two songs for the eisteddfod, including Inanay by Tiddas.

The grade three student said on the morning of the performance he had been “excited and frightened”.

Schools and centres which participated this year included Orange High School, James Sheahan Catholic High School, Glenroi Public School, Orange Anglican Grammar School, Bowen Public School, Calare Public School, Bletchington Public School, Yarrawong Children's Centre and Orange Pre-school.

Elders were invited to watch and attend a barbeque.