New Podcast! Voices from The Song Room Deadly Arts Crew

The Song Room is excited to launch our brand-new podcast, Voices from The Song Room Deadly Arts Crew, now streaming on Podbean.

This inspiring podcast shines a light on First Nations primary school students as they share personal stories, original songs, and reflections developed through their participation in The Song Room’s Deadly Arts program.

Set on Darug Country in Western Sydney, the episode follows students working alongside First Nations Teaching Artist Colin Watego, as they explore their cultural identity through music and storytelling. It offers a unique glimpse into their creative journeys – sharing perspectives on pride, connection, and culture. Listen here.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

Launched during NAIDOC Week 2025, Voices from The Song Room Deadly Arts Crew celebrates this year’s theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

The podcast honours the resilience, creativity, and cultural leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and highlights the power of nurturing and amplifying First Nations voices through the arts.

“Being part of this journey with the students has been a real honour,” says Colin Watego. “Through music and storytelling, they’re not just finding their voice, they’re sharing culture, building pride and walking stronger in who they are. That’s the heart of this work.”

Composing the Songs

Colin worked with students from four Western Sydney schools to write and record original songs, and performed by the students themselves. Through this creative process, Colin’s mentorship helped build confidence, cultural strength, and self-expression in the classroom.

The podcast invites listeners across Mount Druitt and beyond to hear these powerful compositions and learn directly from these young First Nations songwriters. The students speak about their creative process, their pride in their Aboriginal identity, and what they learned through writing and recording their songs.

Recording the Podcast

Recording the podcast also gave students a rare opportunity to reflect on their experiences, share their stories, and help others understand the importance of cultural identity and creative learning. It’s a window into the kind of deep engagement that culturally responsive arts programs can bring to primary schools.

Hear from Each School:

“This podcast is a powerful reflection of what happens when students are given the space to connect with culture and express themselves through the arts,” says Alice Gerlach, CEO of The Song Room. “It’s a testament to their creativity, pride and cultural strength, and to the incredible impact of culturally responsive arts learning in schools. It’s an honour to support the next generation of storytellers and cultural leaders. Their strength shines through in every song.”

About Deadly Arts

The Deadly Arts program is co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teaching Artists and communities. It offers students culturally safe, authentic and empowering experiences across music, dance, visual arts and storytelling.

It takes a Community

Voices from The Song Room Deadly Arts Crew is proudly brought to you by Mission Australia, the Facilitating Partner for Communities for Children, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services.

Special thanks to Simone Angus, Connor Boulter DJ T’Sum and Izac Xuereb from the Ted Noffs Foundation Mt Druitt Street University for production support.

A huge thank you to all of the students and schools involved; Blackett Public School, Dawson Public School, Marayong Heights Public School and Mt Druitt Public School.

All songs written, recorded and produced by Teaching Artist and Cultural Liaison Officer, Colin Watego for The Song Room. Colin is a proud Bundjalung, Torres Strait and South-Sea Island descendant. Thank you to Raphael Hatzipetrou from Dhinawan Yarns on Yidaki, Elizabeth from Mt Druitt Public School on keyboards, and Jet Malaban from Marayong Heights Public School on guitar.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, community leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of children’s voices, Voices from The Song Room: Deadly Arts Crew is an inspiring and uplifting listen.

Voices from The Song Room Deadly Arts Crew, now streaming on Podbean.

Learn more about The Song Room’s Deadly Arts programs here.
Or contact us to discuss bringing a Deadly Arts program to your school.