Stylin' UP Regional

As Local, State and Federal Governments and NGO’s grapple with how to bridge significant social, cultural and economic gaps in the status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities - Stylin UP Regional is a successful program and model that continues to make a significant and meaningful difference.

Our Goal

Pride in self, Pride in Community, Pride in Culture.

Our Purpose

Through arts, culture and story-telling, Stylin' UP Regional works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to strengthen, celebrate and determine their identity and future.

Current Activities

The program currently engages approximately 800 young people and Elders, across the communities of Cherbourg, Hope Vale, Logan and Woorabinda.

Program Components

Indigenous community ownership and leadership

Endorsement of Stylin’ UP Regional and its role in each community is determined by the local Elders and Traditional Owners. Community leaders and young people interested in framing and informing the delivery of Stylin’ UP Regional in their community participate in a Community Crew that meets at regular intervals.

Skills development and Capacity building

Workshops and training are facilitated in various skill areas, as identified by each community, including:
• Cultural Practice - traditional and contemporary dance, craft and traditional knowledge.
• Creative Industries - music-making, song-writing, hip-hop, dance, screen-printing and visual design.
• Capacity Building - mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Showcase and Celebration

Local Showcase
Each community showcases the outcomes and learnings of the skills development and training process at a local event.

The Big Trip
Performers, participants and leaders from each community travel to Brisbane for the Stylin’ UP Festival. Key activities include a community gathering and dinner at the Inala Elders, tours, and attendance and performance at the event.

Stylin’ UP Festival
One of Australia’s largest Indigenous music and dance festivals, the Stylin’ UP Festival brings
together over 70 traditional and contemporary music and dance groups for one event.

The success of Stylin' UP Regional is built on more than 5 years of relationship building and community engagement.