VISIT WINS HEARTS

ENKINDLE Village School at James Cook University has been gifted a special didgeridoo from Doomadgee State School students.

Eight Indigenous students from Doomadgee have visited the school in Townsville as a reward for their exemplary efforts at school.

Doomadgee school deputy principal Graeme Weatherburn said the students were excited to visit a “big city”.

“The boys who were selected for this trip to Townsville are those who are about to transition into Years 11 and 12,” he said.

“They will live at Cowboys House while they complete Year 11 and 12.

“They have never seen the beach or an island before so they are broadening their horizons and knowledge of the different landscapes around our country. They especially enjoyed a visit to Magnetic Island.”

Enkindle principal Kiri Pearce said the boys performed a traditional dance for students.

“It was an honour to welcome these students and we are excited to develop a strong connection with them,” Mr Pearce said.

“We hope to be able to visit them so that our students can see what life is like for their new friends in their home town.”

Doomadgee State School student Mcquillen Walden said although it was a “boring, long drive” to get to Townsville, he liked what he saw.

“It’s been a really good adventure to experience life in the big city before I transition to senior secondary education,” he said.

Enkindle student Sam Duinker said he hoped to learn how to play the didgeridoo.

“The best part about the visit from the Doomadgee students was watching their dancing, especially the rooster dance,” he said.

“We are also very humbled to have been gifted a didgeridoo and all us boys are looking forward to learning how to play it.”