Growin' Up Strong : Acknowledgements

The following Communities, Councils, Elders and respected Community members gave their approval and provided advice on the use of Aboriginal language words appearing in some of the songs on Growin' Up Strong and in the Growin' Up Strong Teacher Resource Book.

Cedric Roberts and Ruby Langford Ginibi (Bundjalung Elders), NSW
Agnes Coe and Sylvia Ingram (Wiradjuri Elders) and Jenny Munro from the Wiradjuri language group, NSW
Pilawuk, from the Ngangiwumerri Nation, Moyle River, NT
The Bidydanga Aboriginal Community Council, WA
Topsy Secretary, (Larrakia Elder), NT
The Kunbarllanjnja Community Government Council, NT
The Arrernte Council of Central Australia, NT
Dennis Davey, (Bardi Elder and Chairman of the Bardi Aborigines Association Inc), WA
Ian Piendju, (Martu Elder and Chairman of the Western Desert Puntukurnuparn Aboriginal Corporation), WA
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Inc, TAS
The Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation in Maningrida, NT
The Northern Land Council at Nhulunbuy, NT
The Noongar Language and Cultural Centre, WA

Great care was taken to follow correct protocols regarding the inclusion of information about Aboriginal cultures. All song lyrics were reviewed and are supported by:

NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Sector Advisory Group;
NSW Aboriginal Early Childhood Support Services Unit; Aboriginal Programs Unit at NSW Dept of Education and Training;
Aboriginal Curriculum Unit at the Office of the Board of Studies,
NSW Dept of Education and Training; NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
NSW Reconciliation Council

All lyrics by Wendy Notley
Produced by Wendy Notley/Guy Dickerson/Barbara Notley

Recorded and mixed by Guy Dickerson
Recorded and mixed at Megaphon Studios

Mastered by Rick O'Neil at Turtle Rock

The Band
Wendy Notley - vocals/guitar
Barbara Notley - backing vocals/harmonies
Al Rony - bass/guitar
Donna Ross - drums/guitar/percussion
Mark Atkins - didgeridoo
Louise Gore - synthesizer
Greg Sheehan - percussion

The Kids
Adriana Boyd, Skye Taylor, Pamela Dennis, Maxine Edwards, Maya Newell - vocals

Jude Walker/ Wendy Notley - cover design
Wendy Notley - cover photographs

Thankyou's:

Murawina, thanks for giving me the opportunity to work with Aboriginal children, get to know their families and work with some wonderful Aboriginal women too. It's been the most rewarding experience of my teaching career. I learned so much and I hope that these songs in some way reflect something of that experience.

Thankyou to all the Aboriginial Communities who gave their approval for their language name to be included in the song lyrics.

The Band: Special thanks to Barbara Notley, my sister, for her production assistance in getting the songs recorded; to Al Rony, his creative input and for bringing music back into my life and to Donna Ross for her great creative mind and sense of humour throughout the recording process. Mark Atkins, thanks for playing the sound of Aboriginal Australia into the songs and Louise Gore and Greg Sheehan whose creative contribution is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Guy Dickerson for production assistance and belief in the songs.

Special thanks:

Family: particularly my parents, for their love and constant support.

The Kids: Maxine, Adriana , Skye, Pamela, Maya and Madison, thanks for singing so well on the CD and also all the Koori kids at Marrickville Public School. Thanks to all the kids I tested the demo tape out on - Ela, Erin, Izabella, Maya, Suzannah, Travis, Jesse, Millie, Nina, Catherine and Thomasina, and for having such a great reaction.

Friends and Colleagues: Thanks Aunty Pat, Lila and Aunty Ruby Langford Ginibi, friends and co-workers at Murawina, Liz Newell, for the idea to write the Wheels on the Holden, Marj at the ABC, Liz, Ross and Kaye.

Thanks Tim for understanding the process and Sue for passing on the information.