Deadly Streaming

The Deadly Streaming Project is a structured cultural program consisting of one hour weekly group sessions in each school over 16 weeks with the aim of Aboriginal students having positive self-regard leading to an increased awareness that they belong in the educational setting. Deadly Streaming encourages students understanding and respect of their identity and culture, and aims to improve their attendance and behaviour at school by improving their self-confidence and feelings of belonging. This increases their educational excellence and employability.

Deadly Streaming is available to Aboriginal students from targeted high schools and primary schools within the Hunter Region. It is presented in schools so that the schools become a safer place for the students to identify as an Aboriginal student and there are improved relations between Aboriginal students and staff. This also results in parents and the community knowing that the school is working towards supporting Aboriginal students.

Deadly Streaming: Identity, Learning and Strengths booklet

Deadly Streaming: Identity, Learning and Strengths booklet

The Deadly Streaming: Identity, Learning & Strengths booklet has been designed to help navigate the sometimes rocky and confusing rapids of identity, learning and life choices.

As a resource, it frames up activities that can be done independently or as a group. Lots of the sessions ask about what participants think and have been found to stir up important conversations with the young participants.

To see a copy of the Deadly Streaming: Identity, Learning and Strengths booklet, please follow this link: Deadly Streaming booklet

Feedback on a program is important and the comments received from schools and students on Deadly Streaming reflects the value of this project.

Schools

“The students who participated in the program thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I believe the vast majority of those involved learnt a number of valuable lessons and were able to strengthen their cultural identity. The booklet was a great idea and was really well presented.
Craig Hammond works fantastically with the students and he has been able to form a really positive and respectful working relationship with all the students in the program. Craig uses real life stories to further enhance the message he is trying to convey to the students and is to be commended on the way he engages and captivates his audience.”

High School support teacher.

“The Deadly Streaming program has had a significant impact on the students who have been involved in it. The boys have thoroughly enjoyed the time they have got to spend with Craig as he has a natural ability to develop meaningful and respectful relationships with our boys.

Through the Deadly Streaming program Craig has strengthened the participant’s sense of culture, self-pride and identity. Students have learnt to identify strengths within themselves and the significance of respecting themselves and others, as well as making connections within community.

The Deadly Streaming program/Craig had a large focus on the boys setting goals for themselves and the importance of making positive life choices. The boys were engaged and set some good goals for themselves that they are working towards achieving.

Craig delivers the content the program in a way that the boys relate to, they are engaged with the program and him. Each week the boys walk out of the session standing taller, feeling confident and ready to make positive choices.”

Jayden Cooke, Teacher & Program Supervisor Mount View High School

“I would like to acknowledge the fabulous work of the Deadly Streaming team, working at Irrawang Public School. We have been fortunate enough to have this program running for a number of years now and the engagement and cultural awareness it has brought to our students and their families has been absolutely amazing.”

Stacy Mathieson, Principal Irrawang Public School

“During Terms1 & 2, our indigenous boys in Years 4, 5 & 6 have participated in a program called Deadly Streaming, run by Mr Craig Hammond from the University of Newcastle… The boys thoroughly enjoyed each session with Craig, as they were engaged in discussions about their culture, their land and what is important to them, learning many important life skills along the way.

Yesterday marked the final session and it was fantastic to see the pride on the boys faces during the presentation. .. It has been a pleasure being part of this program with Craig and the boys learning more about their culture and what is important to them.”

Waratah Public School

Comments to Craig (Bourkie) from students

“I have had A LOT of fun this year being with you… I hope that you keep teaching and providing us with support to our students… if it wasn’t for you… I wouldn’t have come up with a new welcome to country.”

“Thanks for teaching us all and helping with my work and culture. … and helping us learn about respect.”

“Thanks for coming to our school and teaching me and other students. You are Deadly Bourkie”

“Thank you for being our Deadly Streaming teacher.  I did not know where I was from, but because you were here, now I know.”

Deadly Streaming FamilyDeadly Streaming young girl