Girls who are part of Northam Senior High School’s Deadly Sista Girlz program have held their first awards night showcasing the work they have done throughout the year.
In 2018 there were 48 girls taking part in the program, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
The Deadly Sista Girlz Program run through the Wirrpanda Foundation aims to build proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls that thrive.
The program uses female role models to empower and enable young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to make informed decisions about their personal health and well being to lead a positive and healthy lifestyle.
Each girl has the opportunity to be personally mentored throughout the program.
During the awards night the girls showed their own choreographed traditional and contemporary dances and photos from projects they have completed throughout the year.
This year the girls involved in the program have gone on camps, competed in football competitions, learnt dancing, sewing, cooking and painting.
Northam Senior High School Aboriginal Islander education officer Lee Mallyon and Lisa Mourach have been Deadly Sista Girlz mentors.
Ms Mallyon said it has been the greatest pleasure mentoring the girls this year.
“We have seen so many young girls grow from having low self esteem to presenting themselves in a big strong way,” she said.
“My goal is to make great strong women in Northam.”
Football great and foundation founder David Wirrpanda attended the awards evening.
“I’ve had a dream of coming up here for a very long time,” he said.
“I am very proud to partner with Northam Senior High School.
“We want to give our young women the best opportunities at life.
“It doesn’t matter who you are.
“You’ll continually have my support.”
Northam Senior High School Principal Marisa Del Pin said the indigenous culture is an essential part of the local community.
“I am so proud of the girls and of Lisa and Lee,” she said.
“They are the backbone and without them we wouldn't be seeing the successes of these women.
“Pass on your amazing culture to your children so it keeps being strong and an important part of our community.”
