Mary congratulated a local artist, Mr Duncan Smith, who was awarded by the Dare to Lead project for his work as a Project Ambassador in the ACT.
“I have known Duncan now for a number of years, and am delighted that he has received national recognition for his work in the schools,” Mary said. “I believe that we all in the ACT should celebrate his award.”
The Dare to Lead is a national project, funded by the Commonwealth, with a focus on improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students.
Mr Smith is acclaimed for his qualities as a visual, musical and performing artist, but also spends countless hours sharing his culture in schools in the ACT.
Through his work as a mentor, performer and educator in ACT schools, Duncan reaches out not just to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, but also to non-Indigenous children as well. He is opening their eyes and minds to the cultures of our Indigenous people.
Mr Smith is a proud Wiradjuri man and father of five with an intense personal interest in the education and future prospects of Indigenous children.
We must lead the way in the ACT, and we need people like Duncan to do so.
Gallery 2009 Image 38
