Source: South Australia Police
“We see the young ones, they’re healthy, they’re running around, they eat the right food and drink water and enjoy their sports and the culture that we bring together.”
He also sees how those who are new to the festival’s messaging become curious about it:
“There are a lot of people who want to come up and see the festival. They enjoy it and ask questions. And we get to talk about drugs and alcohol as well.”
The festival is just one part of a broad picture. Ngurra Kujungka also runs thriving school holiday programs, before and after school activities, swimming lessons, and employs a full-time recreation officer across several communities.
For Bruce and the other elders, their collective vision is always front of mind:
“It’s important to me and the elders to put a plan in place and look after our young ones. The future will come if we set up a foundation for the kids and train them up how to do the right thing.”