News Item

KOORI LUNCHEON UNVEILS TRIBUTE SONG TO LIONEL ROSE

December 21, 2011

The first public performance of a hip hop song honouring the late boxing great Lionel Rose who hailed from west Gippsland was a highlight at a community luncheon for the Koori community at Drouin.

Community College Gippsland and the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Cooperative hosted the Christmas luncheon to celebrate cultural activities and achievements over the past 12 months.

Community College Gippsland, Koori program Manager, Maryanne Meyer, said the luncheon program had established as a monthly event through funding support from community bankmecu.

The luncheon has provided a platform to develop participation in several youth and family programs which have been well supported by the Koori community.

The Brayakaloong Men’s and Women’s Art groups are well established as well as after school indigenous dance group, and family activities and events.

This Christmas luncheon was an opportunity to reflect on the achievements over the past 12 months.

20 year old Lionel Rose Junior performed a song he has recently written honouring his uncle, late Australian boxing champion Lionel Rose.

Lionel Rose Junior said the boxer had a big influence on his life and many other young Koori people in the west Gippsland community.

The song called, Yesterday has Gone reflects on the boxer’s life, his determination to succeed against the odds and his influence in shaping the lives of indigenous youth giving them dreams to aspire.

Lionel Rose Junior, who is a member of the successful Brayakaloong Men’s Art Group, said he had written five songs and hoped to record an album featuring the tribute song in the near future.

Community College Gippsland Acting CEO, Jeff Tellefson, said the luncheon program had been a positive initiative in bringing Koori people together of all ages to share experiences, culture and recognise individual’s achievements.

“We hope to continue the program in 2012 with support of Ramahyuck and Baw Baw Shire,” he said.

Photo Caption: Front from left: Tegan Grffith, Hayley Rose, Kayla Rose, Lionel Rose Junior Atlas Crawford, Shania Norris,
Middle row: Belinda and Rome Crawford, Maryane Meyer, Shontay Rose, Desley Rose, Merle Rose, Brandon Rose, Bones Hood, Chloe Dinsdale, Kylie Dinsdale, Sherallee Dow.
Back row from left:  Catherine Barnett, Raymond Dow, Dale Hayes, Chris Rose, Jessica Rose.

For further information contact:

Jeff Tellefson
Deputy CEO
Community College Gippsland
Ph: 5622 6000