Book Show

Curriculum Relevance:
Aboriginal Studies & Torres Strait Island Studies.
Cultural and Contemporary.

Googabinj

Googabinj, the Australian Bush Turkey is Craig Kemp’s spirit animal. Craig is a Ghungalu man from central Qld who takes great pride and pleasure in passing on the traditions and culture of his family.

His show starts with a story about a young boy who is so uncontrollable that the tribe send him off to his uncle, a wise tribal elder. To help the boy understand how he and indeed every member of his tribe, have responsibilities and deserve respect, his uncle teaches him the history of the tribe:- How his ancestors hunted and gathered food. How they respected and cared for the land. The respect they had for the animals they hunted for food and the way they honoured them.

Thoughout this timeless story Craig displays his wonderful collection of native artefacts and weapons and demonstrates how his hunter gatherer ancestors made very effective hunting tools like the boomerang, spear, nulla nulla and woomera from the natural environment. Baskets and bags were also made and used to carry fruits and vegetables.

Craig teaches students traditional greetings and has students guessing which animals and birds he is impersonating on one of his colourful didgeridoos. It’s not just Australian animals that he imitates. Greetings also take on a very friendly tone through the didge. On another of his didgeridoos Craig has been known to play his didge version of happy birthday, if the occasion warrants it.

Everyone loves to party and for thousands of years Craig's tribe has found reasons and time for celebrations. With face painting and dancing, students eagerly learn to dance as Emus, Kangaroos and other Australian native animals. Teachers are also encouraged to join the fun.

Craig Kemp has been learning, teaching and performing for many years. From an aboriginal dance company in Cairns to the Cultural Centre in Rockhampton; in Brisbane, Melbourne and rural Victoria Craig has been entertaining and educating both old and young alike for many years.

What other schools have said:

Culturally appropriate and very powerful, his narrative resonates with the audience; involves students and staff in his show; explains the significance of a wide range of artefacts; outstanding role model for indigenous students. Good value for money. Makes indigenous students feel very proud and good about themselves. Uses humour appropriately. Can adapt his show to meet the needs of the audience – he receives feedback from his audience very well and is able to adapt his show on the spot to ensure the audience remains engaged.
Tim Farrell, Principal. Crestmead State School. QLD.

Craig was great! 10 out of 10 in all areas. He maintained engagement with students throughout the session. Students were confident to engage Craig and ask questions. We have been studying Aboriginal culture as part of our HASS, in particular how artefacts have multiple purposes, and how the Aboriginal people care for country. From an educational viewpoint, the timing of Craig’s session with us was perfect. We have a very active group of students and Craig held their focus very well. Students were especially keen to participate in dance, and examine the artefacts that were able to be handled. Craig is very relate-able. He arrived early and our session started promptly, which was great. I have already recommended him to other colleagues at other schools.
Danielle Bell. Yr 3 Team Leader. Upper Mount Gravatt State School. QLD.

Price: $5.50 per student (No GST applies).

Suitable: Preps, K to Year 6.

Minimum Audience Size: 130 students.

Times: Show: 50 minutes. Set up: 30 minutes. Pack up: 30 minutes.

Requires: an indoor performing area 6m deep x 5m wide.