THE OPPORTUNITY
‘Shalom Family’ has the incredible opportunity to fly ‘Shalom First Nations Dancers’, a team of 12 youth and 8 leaders/mentors to New Zealand during 'NRL Indigenous vs Maori All Stars" Week on February 9-17.
Our group is made up of young people living in Townsville but descendants from as far as Mornington Island to Cape York to Normanton to Yarrabah to Mt Isa to Palm Island to Woorabinda to Charters Towers, and more!
We will be participating in cultural tours, school visits, a Youth Summit, and other events during the lead up to the big game at FMG Stadium Waikato on 15th February. The team will fly to Auckland and be hosted at traditional accommodation near Hamilton on the North Island. This week will be an incredible experience of sharing the power of one culture to another.
But we need your generosity and kindness to make it happen!
THE $45K CHALLENGE IN 10 DAYS
Through our dance group savings and each person's contributions to the trip we have raised $15,000. However, we still need another $45,000 to help us cover our budget – flights ($30,000), team uniform, accommodation, and transport.
This is a HUGE ask, but we believe in our community and city, the next generation, and a big God who created us all.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine”. Ephesians 3:20.
OUR JOURNEY
‘Shalom First Nations Dancers’ first performed publicly as a group of young people from the school and church community at Riverway @ Stable NQ in December 2022. Since then, many doors have opened for them to share culture across the community from schools to footy clubs to NAIDOC events and more! Highlights include performing at Townsville NAIDOC 2024 & 25, Coroborree by Big Eye Theatre in 2024 & 25, NRL All Stars Week in Townsville 2023, Soul Survivor Youth Conference 2023, and many more local events.
We have been amazed at the growth in confidence, identity, and passion of our young dancers aged 7 through to 17.
OUR PERFORMANCES
Our performances include both traditional and contemporary music and dance.
We would also like to take this time to thank the Elders, families, tribal groups & caretakers on whom blessed us the dances/songlines told by Shalom First Nation Dancers.
WHO IS SHALOM FAMILY?
'Shalom Family' is a Not-for-profit Charity and Queensland Baptist Church that began in 2021 by Andy and Emma Bollom and local families of Townsville. 'Shalom Family' has a heart to walk with Aboriginal & TSI families to see future generations experience healing, louder voices, and their dreams ignited.
They currently focus on youth mentoring, cultural dance, on country camps, and local family gatherings in parks and beaches.
OUR THANKS
We couldn’t have come this far on our own and we want to thank all of our elders, mentors, families, friends, and community for their beautiful support the past few years. We want to give a shout out to significant mentors and encouragers along the way (sorry if we forget anyone!):
Ashley Saltner Jnr and Wulgurukaba Walkabouts
Sharyn Ive, Christine Hill, and all Carinity Education Shalom Staff
Pastor Andy and Emma Bollom, and Shalom Family
Taneisha Daisy and family
Hayden Turner, Didge player and mentor
Tom Burton and family, Chaplain
St Albans Anglican, Yarrabah
Father Les and Kingdom of Light Ministries
Uncle Nathan Schrieber and Irribamu
Anne Harley and Stable NQ
Uncle Normey Jay and family
Popeye David Mundraby and family
Shirli, Chris, Mal and Zoe Congoo, Salvation Army
Terrence Whyte, Salvation Army
Aunty Ros Saylor and Big Eye Theatre
Uncle Randal Ross and Garbutt Magpies
Rob Congoo, Yooribaya Cultural Experiences
Buddy Cassady and Murries Gone Walkabout
Anthony Tangimetua, Air Antics
Sean Choolburra
Judy and St Teresa's Catholic, Garbutt
Together for Townsville (Combined Churches)
Soul Survivor NSW
Regular financial supporters,
and everyone who has every prayed or encouraged us!
THE PUNCH LINE
Can you help by giving to this Shalom Family GOFUNDME and the 'Shalom First Nations Dancers' cultural tour to New Zealand, February 2026?
Or if you would like to make a TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION, contact Andy Bollom or reach out on our Instagram or FB to give to a separate benevolent account
Or could you share this story?
Every bit of help, small or big, means so much to the team – THANK YOU!
One generation to another, shall declare Your mighty and remarkable acts.
Psalm 145:4
Organizer
